Furst Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Denton County, Texas, Furst Ranch Lake Dam stands as a testament to water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this private dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for visitors to enjoy the 38-acre surface area and 400-acre-feet of normal storage capacity. With a height of 32.9 feet and an uncontrolled spillway width of 250 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of Whites Branch, a tributary of the Trinity River.

State-regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Furst Ranch Lake Dam boasts a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam's hazard potential remains undetermined, its condition assessment is yet to be rated. Despite its age, the dam continues to operate efficiently, with regular state inspections ensuring its structural integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 15,376 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to withstand the demands of its drainage area of 2.45 square miles.

As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources, Furst Ranch Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for both recreation and flood control. With its earth dam structure and buttress core type, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts flock to this idyllic location, they can appreciate the harmonious balance between human development and ecological preservation that Furst Ranch Lake Dam represents.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

15

Dam Height

32.9

River Or Stream

TR-WHITES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

32.9

Drainage Area

2.45

Nid Storage

870

Structural Height

32.9

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
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.