Lake Timpson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Shelby, Texas, Lake Timpson Dam is a vital structure regulating the flow of Blackwater Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by designers Lloyd & Woolverton, this Earth-type dam stands at 30 feet high and stretches 1480 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 5280 acre-feet and a surface area of 230 acres, Lake Timpson Dam primarily serves for recreation, with water supply as a secondary purpose.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Timpson Dam has been inspected periodically, with its condition assessed as fair as of April 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 210 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 14760 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam's hazard potential is not available, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and risk management measures to ensure its safety and longevity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to continue enjoying its recreational offerings.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

1480

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BLACKWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

230

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

6.4

Nid Storage

5280

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.