Owl Hollow Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Owl Hollow Dam, located in Burnet, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by FREESE AND NICHOLS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1951, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet with a length of 930 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1220 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Beaver Creek and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

The dam, regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has a spillway width of 470 feet and is equipped with uncontrolled and valve outlet gates. With a fair condition assessment as of July 2017, Owl Hollow Dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. Regular inspections, conducted every five years, ensure the dam's structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community. Despite the absence of hazard potential data, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and emergency preparedness in the region.

Overall, Owl Hollow Dam stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in Texas, not only providing essential services like fire protection and stock water supply but also serving as a recreational destination for locals and visitors. The dam's historical significance, coupled with its modern-day functionality, highlights the intersection of water management, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

930

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

64.4

Hydraulic Height

39

Nid Storage

1220

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

39
       
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.