Harding Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Red Lake No 3 Dam Morse Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Harding Lake Dam, located in Freestone, Texas, was completed in 1964 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, livestock watering, and recreational activities.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.1 feet and has a length of 540 feet. The dam's reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15.8 acres, drawing water from the Jelly Slough water source.
Managed by a private owner and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Harding Lake Dam has been assessed as being in fair condition with a moderate risk level. The dam has one uncontrolled outlet gate and a spillway width of 3 feet. While the hazard potential is not available, the dam is subject to periodic inspections every five years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2014. The dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified, highlighting potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of this water resource infrastructure.
Overall, Harding Lake Dam represents a vital component of water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With its diverse range of uses and regulatory oversight, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding downstream communities from flooding and providing essential water resources for various activities. As interest in sustainable water management and climate adaptation grows, continued monitoring and maintenance of Harding Lake Dam will be essential to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for both current and future generations.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
16.1 |
River Or Stream |
JELLY SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.1 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
116 |
Structural Height |
16.1 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood
|
20cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood
|
2660cfs |
Trinity Rv At Hwy 287 Nr Cayuga
|
1680cfs |
Tehuacana Ck Nr Streetman
|
2cfs |
Big Ck Nr Freestone
|
4cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
2670cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Harding Lake Dam