Lake Colorado City Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Colorado City Dam, located in Mitchell County, Texas, is a private-owned structure managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).


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Summary

Built in 1949 by the design firm Freese and Nichols, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 85 feet and spans a length of 4500 feet along Morgan Creek. With a storage capacity of 93,132 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including recreation, drawing visitors to its 1610-acre surface area.

The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 1220 feet, allows for a maximum discharge of 150,001 cubic feet per second. Its condition assessment in 2014 rated it as fair, with a moderate risk level. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in January 2018, ensuring preparedness for any potential hazards. Despite its age, Lake Colorado City Dam continues to be a vital resource for water storage, recreation, and environmental conservation in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

4500

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

MORGAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1610

Hydraulic Height

85

Drainage Area

337

Nid Storage

93132

Structural Height

85

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

85
       
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.