Rusk Ore Mine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cherokee County, Texas, the Rusk Ore Mine Dam stands as a testament to both engineering prowess and natural beauty.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this earth dam rises 23 feet in height and stretches 900 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 680 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in the tranquil waters of the TR-Beans Creek.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Rusk Ore Mine Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam's hazard potential is currently not available, with its condition assessment yet to be rated. Despite these uncertainties, the dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities for the local community, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Texas.

With its uncontrolled spillway and three outlet gates, the Rusk Ore Mine Dam remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure, serving as both a recreational hub and a source of natural beauty. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like the Rusk Ore Mine Dam will become increasingly crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the Rusk Ore Mine Dam stands as a fascinating example of the intersection between human engineering and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-BEANS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

680

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.
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