Wells Dam No 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wells Dam No 4, located in Wood County, Texas, is a privately owned recreational dam built in 1971 with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for visitors.


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Summary

The dam, designed by Wheeler Engineering Co, is an earth dam with a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 900 feet. It has a storage capacity of 390 acre-feet and is situated on the TR-Graveyard Branch river.

Despite being privately owned, Wells Dam No 4 is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and has a high hazard potential, indicating the need for risk management measures to be implemented. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate.

While Wells Dam No 4 may not be as well-known as other dams, its importance lies in providing recreational opportunities in the region and serving as a critical water resource for the surrounding area. Its presence highlights the role of private entities in managing and maintaining essential water infrastructure for the benefit of both people and the environment.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-GRAVEYARD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

390

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.