Hefner Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hefner Lake No 1 Dam, located in Ellis County, Texas, was completed in 1962 and serves as a recreational site with a primary purpose of providing recreational activities for visitors.


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Summary

The dam is an earth dam with a height of 19 feet and a length of 450 feet, creating a surface area of 10 acres. With a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet, the dam contributes to the conservation of water resources in the area.

Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate. While the hazard potential of the dam is not available and its condition is not rated, it is important to note that a risk assessment has categorized the dam as having a high risk level. Despite not being state regulated or owned by a federal agency, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hefner Lake No 1 Dam presents an interesting case study in the management and conservation of water resources for recreational purposes. With its historical significance and risk assessment findings, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-BOLIVAR BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.