Red Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burleson Lake Dam Little Red Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Freestone, Texas, the Red Lake Dam is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 525 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1050 acre-feet. Situated along the Jelly Slough river or stream, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 98 feet and has undergone modifications in 1978 for hydraulic purposes and in 2007 for structural improvements.
Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Red Lake Dam is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its safety and compliance with state guidelines. With a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam poses a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. Despite not having a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam is equipped with two uncontrolled outlet gates and has a history of meeting regulatory standards for inspection frequency and hazard potential assessment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Red Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam used for recreational purposes in Texas. Its location, design features, and regulatory oversight by the TCEQ offer insight into the complexities of managing water infrastructure for public safety and environmental protection. As the dam continues to play a vital role in the local community, monitoring its condition and implementing risk management strategies will be essential to ensure its long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Years Modified |
1978 - Hydraulic, 2007 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
JELLY SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
150 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
5.2 |
Nid Storage |
1050 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Red Lake Dam