Brown Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brown Lake No 1 Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a private earth dam completed in 1966 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 360 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet. Surrounded by a surface area of 13 acres, the dam is situated on the TR-Sabine River, offering a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to admire its structural beauty and scenic surroundings.

Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is not available, and its condition assessment remains unrated. The risk assessment for Brown Lake No 1 Dam is considered high, with no specific risk management measures listed. With no spillway and unlisted foundations, the dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource professionals and climate enthusiasts interested in exploring the complexities of dam infrastructure and its role in managing water resources in the region.

As a privately owned structure with no federal jurisdiction, Brown Lake No 1 Dam stands as a testament to the diverse landscape of dam infrastructure in the United States. Its unique design features, including a buttress core type and one outlet gate, showcase the engineering ingenuity of its time. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, Brown Lake No 1 Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human ingenuity and natural landscapes.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SABINE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

152

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.