Bowie Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swint Dam Ce Campbell Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bowie Lake Dam, located in Montague, Texas, is a vital structure primarily used for water supply purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 30 feet and a length of 2200 feet, this earth dam on the West Fork Middle Belknap Creek was completed in 1937 and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Despite its age, the dam's storage capacity remains at 2220 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1230 acre-feet.
The dam's design features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates. However, recent assessments have rated its condition as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements. The last inspection in 1970 highlighted the dam's hazard potential as not available, but its risk assessment is moderate. Given its critical role in water supply, stakeholders and authorities must prioritize addressing the dam's structural integrity to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainable management of water resources in the area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of infrastructure like Bowie Lake Dam is essential for understanding the intersection of water management and environmental sustainability. By monitoring the dam's condition, regulatory oversight, and risk management measures, enthusiasts can advocate for responsible stewardship of water resources and contribute to safeguarding the resilience of such key infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
2200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FK MIDDLE BELKNAP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
2220 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belknap Ck Nr Ringgold
|
112cfs |
Beaver Ck Nr Ringgold
|
145cfs |
E Fk Little Wichita Rv Nr Henrietta
|
0cfs |
Red Rv Nr Terral
|
200cfs |
Little Wichita Rv Abv Henrietta
|
0cfs |
W Fk Trinity Rv Nr Jacksboro
|
1cfs |
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.
Bowie Lake Dam