North Fork Buffalo Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Fork Buffalo Creek Dam, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, is a vital water supply structure with a primary purpose of providing water to the surrounding area.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 46 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 32,250 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of the North Fork Buffalo Creek and has a spillway width of 615 feet to manage excess water during heavy rainfall events.

Owned and regulated by the local government, specifically the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), North Fork Buffalo Creek Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. Although the dam is rated as having a moderate risk level, its condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards. With a drainage area of 33.4 square miles, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region, showcasing the intersection of water supply, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

4450

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1401

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

33.4

Nid Storage

32250

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 4, Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
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.