Rice Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Rice Lake Dam, located in Trinity, Texas, on Kickapoo Creek, stands as a crucial water resource structure in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam with a buttress core reaches a height of 18 feet and spans 1,120 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. The dam is privately owned and maintained, with oversight from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for regulatory and enforcement purposes.

Despite its importance for water management, Rice Lake Dam does not have a spillway and is not rated for condition assessment. With a high hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures are yet to be detailed, making it a critical structure in need of thorough inspection and assessment. The surrounding area relies on the dam for normal storage of 110 acre-feet, making it essential for the community's water needs and irrigation purposes.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and functionality of structures like Rice Lake Dam becomes increasingly vital. With its high-risk potential and lack of detailed risk management measures, this dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the challenges of managing and maintaining critical infrastructure in the face of environmental uncertainties.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

KICKAPOO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

560

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.