Colonial House Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colonial House Lake Dam, located in Denton, Texas, is a recreational dam built in 1960 on Furneaux Creek by the local government.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 17 feet and with a length of 1067 feet, this earth dam with a stone core serves the primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 27 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 139 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has faced challenges with a poor condition assessment as of April 2021, prompting the need for frequent inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and situated within the Fort Worth District, Colonial House Lake Dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 371 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. The dam poses a moderate risk level according to the data, with a hazard potential that is not available. However, the dam's overall risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified, indicating potential areas of improvement in the dam's safety protocols. With a drainage area of 4 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet, the dam plays a critical role in water resource management in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Colonial House Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in balancing the need for recreational amenities with the imperative of maintaining infrastructure safety and regulatory compliance. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s and its location within the picturesque surroundings of Carrollton, Texas, the dam serves as a vital piece of the local landscape. Continued monitoring and upkeep of Colonial House Lake Dam will be essential to ensuring the resilience of water resources and the safety of surrounding communities in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1067

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

FURNEAUX CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

139

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.