Clear Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clear Lake Dam, located in Hays, Texas, along the Pin Oak Creek, was completed in 1952 and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Owned by a private entity and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. While the dam does not have a spillway, it does have one outlet gate to control the water flow.

Despite its age and lack of recent inspections, Clear Lake Dam poses a high risk, as classified by hazard potential. The dam's condition assessment is not rated, and there is no emergency action plan prepared, raising concerns about the safety and management of the structure. The risk associated with the dam is labeled as a 2 on a scale, indicating the need for increased monitoring and potential risk mitigation measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clear Lake Dam serves as a point of interest due to its historical significance and the potential implications of its condition on the surrounding area. With its location in a region prone to weather extremes, the management and maintenance of this dam are crucial for both irrigation and recreation purposes. As discussions around water resource management and climate adaptation continue, the future of Clear Lake Dam will likely be a topic of interest and concern for those invested in sustainable water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

910

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

PINOAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.