Welder Lake No 5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Welder Lake No 5 Dam in La Salle, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1944, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches for 2,200 feet along Piedra Creek. With a storage capacity of 840 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial water resource in the region.

The dam, constructed with a buttress core type, has not been rated for condition assessment but is considered to have a high risk potential. Despite the absence of a spillway, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unlisted. Located in the Galveston District, Welder Lake No 5 Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ensuring proper inspection and enforcement of state regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Welder Lake No 5 Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure contributing to water supply in Texas. Its design and operational aspects, along with the risk assessment and regulatory oversight, offer insights into the management of dams in the region. As climate change impacts water availability, understanding the role of such structures becomes increasingly important for sustainable water resource management.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

PIEDRA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

840

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.