Clifty Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clifty Creek Lake Dam, also known as Box Car Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Brazos County, Texas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 1000 feet along Clifty Creek. Its primary purpose is for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 440 acre-feet and a surface area of 37 acres.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Clifty Creek Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, one outlet gate, and a moderate hazard potential rating. While the condition assessment is not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, with no emergency action plan prepared or inundation maps available.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the history and design of Clifty Creek Lake Dam, which serves as a vital component for fire protection and water storage in the region. With its serene surroundings and important role in the local ecosystem, this dam stands as a testament to responsible water management and conservation efforts in Texas.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

CLIFTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

520

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.