City Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

City Lake No 1 Dam, located in Thornedale, Texas, was completed in 1955 and stands at a height of 20 feet, with a length of 700 feet.


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Summary

Designed by Marvin Turner, this dam sits on the Berry Branch river and is primarily used for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 282 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 19.2 acres and has a maximum discharge of 5543 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, City Lake No 1 Dam has a poor condition assessment as of November 2015, indicating the need for maintenance and improvements. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and one outlet gate. Its hazard potential is currently labeled as "Not Available", but the risk assessment is rated as moderate. The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find City Lake No 1 Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance and the potential risks associated with its current condition. As a vital part of the region's water management system, continued monitoring and maintenance of this dam will be crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the environment.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BERRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

282

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.