Peterson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Peterson Dam, located in Eastland, Texas, along Ellison Spring Branch, was completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 700 feet, providing storage for up to 200 acre-feet of water. While the dam does not have a spillway, it does have one outlet gate for water release.

Despite being rated as "Not Available" in terms of hazard potential and "Not Rated" in condition assessment, Peterson Dam has a high risk level assigned to it. The dam has not been inspected since August 1969, raising concerns about its current condition and safety. With no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam lacks preparedness for any potential emergencies or disasters.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Peterson Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure to ensure public safety and water security. The risk level associated with the dam highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards and protect surrounding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of dam failure.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

ELLISON SPRING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

200

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.