Blackburn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blackburn Lake Dam, located in Angelina, Texas, was completed in 1950 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam is an earth structure with a height of 18 feet and a length of 500 feet, creating a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet. Situated on the Conner Spring Branch, the dam has a surface area of 12 acres and is owned privately.

Despite its recreational focus, Blackburn Lake Dam is not without risks, as it has been classified with a high hazard potential. The dam lacks a spillway and has not been inspected since May 1997, raising concerns about its condition and safety. While the dam has not been rated for its current state, the absence of regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures leaves room for improvement in managing potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blackburn Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in balancing recreational benefits with potential hazards. The dam's location in a high-risk area underscores the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial for dam owners and regulators to prioritize risk management measures to mitigate potential disasters.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CONNER SPRING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.