Lake Olney Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Olney Dam, located in Archer County, Texas, was completed in 1935 and serves as a vital resource for both recreation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 20 feet and stretching 1490 feet in length, creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 2150 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 7394 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Mesquite Creek and is under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Despite its importance, Lake Olney Dam is in a poor condition, as assessed in April 2021. With a high hazard potential and a risk level of 2 on a scale of 1 to 4, there are concerns about its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection was conducted in June 1983, indicating a need for more frequent assessments and potentially urgent maintenance or repairs to mitigate risks associated with the dam.

Given its historical significance and critical role in water management in the region, Lake Olney Dam warrants closer attention and investment to ensure its continued functionality and safety. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find the dam's unique features and challenges intriguing as they consider the broader implications of aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1490

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MESQUITE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

134

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

7394

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.