Cawthorn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cawthorn Lake Dam, located in Brazos, Texas, is a privately owned structure primarily used for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-BIG CREEK, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the surrounding area.

Despite being privately owned, Cawthorn Lake Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential rating, the dam's risk assessment highlights the importance of proactive risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats. While the dam currently lacks a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates to manage water flow, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and monitoring this critical infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cawthorn Lake Dam represents a vital piece of Texas's water infrastructure, serving as a key source of water supply for the region. As efforts to address climate change and water scarcity intensify, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Cawthorn Lake Dam become increasingly important to ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

90

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.