Lake Pennington Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Westbrook Lake Dam Frazier Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Pennington Dam, located in Trinity, Texas, is a privately owned structure with a height of 28 feet and a length of 1000 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam on Louisville Creek serves multiple purposes, with a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2, the dam's condition has not been rated, and it lacks an emergency action plan as of the last inspection in 1977.
Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Pennington Dam does not have a spillway and features one outlet gate. With a normal storage capacity of 265 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Although it is not regulated by a federal agency, the dam is subject to state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity for the surrounding community and environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Pennington Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with significant storage capacity and risk factors. Its history, design, and operational status raise questions about dam safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and the balance between water management needs and environmental considerations. As efforts continue to assess and manage the dam's risks, it remains a focal point for understanding the intersection of water resources, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight in Texas.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
LOUISVILLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
550 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kickapoo Ck At Onalaska
|
2cfs |
Neches Rv Nr Diboll
|
919cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
3730cfs |
Long King Ck At Livingston
|
9cfs |
Angelina Rv Nr Alto
|
449cfs |
Bedias Ck Nr Madisonville
|
38cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Pennington Dam