Farmer Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Farmer Creek Dam, located in Montague, Texas, is a crucial water resource infrastructure designed by FREESE AND NICHOLS and completed in 1960.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 78 feet and spans 3720 feet, serving multiple purposes including water supply, recreation, and others. With a normal storage capacity of 21,749 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 65,190 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.

The dam, situated on the Farmers Creek, is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The spillway, with a width of 1150 feet, is uncontrolled and has a maximum discharge capacity of 141,204 cubic feet per second. While the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition, a moderate risk level (3) has been associated with it, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures.

With its picturesque location and significant contribution to water management in the region, Farmer Creek Dam stands as a testament to effective infrastructure design and maintenance. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find this dam's history and operational details to be intriguing, showcasing the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and public safety in managing water resources in Texas.

Years Modified

1995 - Other

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

3720

Dam Height

78

River Or Stream

FARMERS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1362

Hydraulic Height

78

Drainage Area

94

Nid Storage

65190

Structural Height

78

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.