Wright Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wright Lake Dam, located in Bowie, Texas, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 485 feet, offering a surface area of 12 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. It is situated on the TR-McKinney Bayou, within the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its age, Wright Lake Dam is state regulated and regularly inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 67 acre-feet, making it a valuable resource for water management in the area. While it does not have a spillway or locks, it does have one outlet gate for controlled water release.

With a high hazard potential rating of 2, Wright Lake Dam is considered to pose significant risk in the event of failure. However, its condition assessment is currently not rated, and there is no available information on emergency action plans or risk management measures in place. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Wright Lake Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and conservation of water resources in Texas.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

485

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-MCKINNEY BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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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.