Fairfield Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fairfield Dam, located in Freestone, Texas, was completed in 1954 and serves as a vital water supply source in the region.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth-type dam stands at 13 feet high and spans 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1106 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Saline Branch river, ensuring a stable water source for the surrounding communities.

Despite being uncontrolled, the dam boasts a spillway width of 572 feet and is equipped with three outlet gates. The risk assessment for Fairfield Dam is deemed moderate, indicating a level 3 hazard potential. While the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it is regularly inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and meets state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its critical role in water resource management, Fairfield Dam remains a key infrastructure for climate and water enthusiasts to monitor and study in the region.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SALINE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

270

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

29.4

Nid Storage

1106

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.