Mercer Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mercer Lake No 1 Dam, located in Gonzales, Texas, was completed in 1962 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned by a private entity, stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 750 feet. It is an earth dam with a buttress core type, designed to impound water from the TR-Sandy Fork Creek for recreational purposes. The dam has a storage capacity of 304 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 190 acre-feet and a surface area of 28 acres.
Despite its recreational significance, Mercer Lake No 1 Dam is not state-regulated and its hazard potential is considered high. The dam lacks a spillway and has no outlet gates, raising concerns about its emergency preparedness and risk management measures. With no recent inspection data available, the condition assessment of the dam remains unrated. Given its high-risk profile, efforts to enhance the safety and resilience of Mercer Lake No 1 Dam may be necessary to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SANDY FORK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
304 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mercer Lake No 1 Dam