Adams Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Adams Lake Dam, located in Trinity, Texas, was completed in 1962 and stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 1200 feet.
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Summary
This private Earth dam on Sandy Creek serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 102 acre-feet. Despite being a non-federal structure, the dam is regulated and inspected by the state of Texas.
With its Buttress core type and lack of a spillway, Adams Lake Dam presents a high risk potential according to assessments. The dam's hazard potential is not available, and its condition has not been rated. Although the dam is not equipped with spillway gates, it is monitored for safety with occasional inspections and state permitting in place. The structure does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, indicating potential vulnerabilities in case of emergencies.
As a crucial component of the water resource infrastructure in the region, Adams Lake Dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and storage. However, the dam's high risk potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and regulatory status of Adams Lake Dam provide intriguing insights into the complexities of managing water resources in Texas.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
184 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kickapoo Ck At Onalaska
|
17cfs |
Long King Ck At Livingston
|
13cfs |
Bedias Ck Nr Madisonville
|
19cfs |
Neches Rv Nr Diboll
|
830cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
2670cfs |
W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Huntsville
|
34cfs |
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.
Adams Lake Dam