Bright Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bright Lake Dam, located in Denton, Texas, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 975 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam holds a normal storage of 150 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Indian Creek and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

While Bright Lake Dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and its hazard potential is listed as not available. However, a risk assessment has categorized the structure as having a high risk level. With no associated structures and no recent inspection dates available, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unknown. Despite these uncertainties, Bright Lake Dam continues to serve as a recreational asset in the area, inviting enthusiasts of water resources and climate to appreciate its presence in the scenic landscape of Denton, Texas.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

208

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.