Upper West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper West Lake Dam, located in Wood, Texas, is a private dam constructed in 1912 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 25 feet and stretching 1110 feet in length, this earth dam on Little Sandy Creek offers a storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 220 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4651 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam poses a moderate risk level according to the hazard potential rating. The dam is state-regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The last inspection date was in August 2011, with no information available on the inspection frequency or emergency action plan preparedness.

Overall, Upper West Lake Dam serves as a crucial structure for recreational activities and water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and maintenance of dams like Upper West Lake Dam becomes increasingly important for both environmental sustainability and public safety.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

1110

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LITTLE SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

1800

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.