Pickens Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pickens Dam, located in Denton, Texas, was completed in 1966 and serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. Situated on Mustang Creek, the dam provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Managed by a private owner, Pickens Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its relatively small size, the dam has been classified as having a high risk potential, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts. While lacking a spillway, the dam features one outlet gate for water management, contributing to its effective operation and function.

In addition to its recreational purposes, Pickens Dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by providing water storage and flood control capabilities. Despite being privately owned, the dam's significance in water resource management and climate resilience highlights the importance of collaboration between public agencies and private entities to ensure the sustainability and safety of our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

OFF CH-MUSTANG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.5

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

155

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.