Sunshine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunshine Dam, located in Weatherford, Texas, is a local government-owned structure designed by Joe J Rady in 1930.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, standing at a height of 34 feet and stretching 2650 feet in length, serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Town Creek. Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Sunshine Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authority.

With a storage capacity of 890 acre-feet, Sunshine Dam provides essential water resources for the surrounding area, with a normal storage level of 460 acre-feet. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam's outlet gates consist of one uncontrolled and one valve gate. While the condition assessment is not rated and the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment indicates a high risk level of 2. However, the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified, and there are no inundation maps prepared for potential emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sunshine Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of water management, recreational activities, and environmental sustainability. Its historical significance, structural design, and regulatory oversight by the state of Texas make it a fascinating site to study the impact of dams on local ecosystems and communities in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

2650

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TOWN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

6.8

Nid Storage

890

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
Sunshine DamLive Oak Preview Live Oak
Sunshine DamPlateau Preview Plateau
Sunshine DamPost Oak Preview Post Oak