Wortham Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wortham Lake No 1 Dam, located in Freestone, Texas, is a vital water resource for the area, completed in 1952 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 19 feet tall with a length of 1090 feet, providing a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring it meets state standards for safety and operation.

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS and Velvin and Weeks, holds back the waters of Jackson Branch, creating a surface area of 26.3 acres for recreational activities. The dam has undergone modifications in 2011 and 2012 to enhance its structural integrity. With a fair condition assessment as of April 2018, the dam poses a moderate risk, prompting regular inspections every five years to maintain its safety and functionality.

Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the Wortham Lake No 1 Dam serves as a crucial water management infrastructure in the region, playing a significant role in flood control and water storage. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering feat of the dam and its contribution to the local ecosystem and community.

Years Modified

2011 - Other, 2012 - Structural

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

1090

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

JACKSON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26.3

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

380

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.