Lake Clopton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Clopton Dam, located in Ellis, Texas, was completed in 1961 and stands at a height of 23 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this earth dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 35 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam is situated on TR-Red Oak Creek and is managed by a private owner.

Despite its relatively small size, Lake Clopton Dam poses a high risk due to its hazard potential being labeled as "Not Available" and its condition assessment being "Not Rated." This suggests a need for further evaluation and monitoring to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. The dam does not have a spillway and has no associated locks, indicating a simpler design compared to larger dams in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Clopton Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its unique design characteristics and location on TR-Red Oak Creek, the dam offers both recreational opportunities and potential challenges in terms of safety and maintenance. Continued inspection and monitoring will be crucial in ensuring the long-term resilience of this important water resource infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-RED OAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

345

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.