Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spring Lake Dam, located in Falls, Texas, on Poole Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet with a length of 1550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state authorities, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

With a spillway width of 400 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 22,000 cubic feet per second, Spring Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam's hazard potential is considered moderate, and although its condition is currently not rated, the structure has withstood the test of time since its last inspection in February 1988. The dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness are not detailed in the available data, but its presence serves as a vital infrastructure for both irrigation and recreational activities in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spring Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam with a significant impact on the local hydrology and water management. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of irrigation, while also providing opportunities for recreation. Its presence on Poole Creek, in the heart of Texas, highlights the importance of infrastructure maintenance and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

POOLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

540

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.