Horseshoe Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Horseshoe Lake Dam, located in Erath County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by Childress and Recer for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and spans 940 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam is situated along Mitchell Creek and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 4,800 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 134 feet, the dam poses a moderate risk level (3) according to the available data. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified. The last inspection was conducted in December 1981, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and assessment to maintain the dam's integrity and safety for the surrounding community and water resources.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Horseshoe Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure with a crucial role in supporting irrigation in the region. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the management of water infrastructure in Texas. As efforts to address climate change and water resource sustainability continue, understanding the function and safety of dams like Horseshoe Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the resilience and reliability of our water systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
940 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
MITCHELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
48 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Paluxy Rv At Glen Rose
|
10cfs |
N Bosque Rv At Hico
|
6cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Glen Rose
|
31cfs |
Brazos Rv Ds Lk Granbury Nr Granbury
|
15cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Dennis
|
115cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hamilton
|
4cfs |
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.
Horseshoe Lake Dam