Reeves Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Reeves Lake Dam in Hays, Texas, is a privately owned structure built in 1962 primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, standing at 20 feet in height and 350 feet in length, holds a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and covers an area of 12 acres. Situated on the Millseat Branch, it serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water-based recreation.

Despite its recreational significance, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with a high hazard potential. The absence of a spillway and limited information on its maintenance and inspection history raises concerns about its safety and operational efficiency. With no designated regulatory agency overseeing its management, the risk associated with Reeves Lake Dam underscores the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience of structures like Reeves Lake Dam becomes crucial in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water availability for recreational and environmental purposes. The dam's location in the Galveston District underscores the need for proactive measures to address potential hazards and adapt to changing hydrological conditions in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for sustainable management practices and investment in infrastructure to safeguard against the uncertainties posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MILLSEAT BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.