Donnell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bailey Lake Dam Kenley Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Donnell Lake Dam, located in La Salle, Texas, was completed in 1964 and serves as a crucial water supply structure for the region.
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Summary
The dam is primarily used for water supply purposes and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 925 feet. Its earth core and buttress structure make it a sturdy and reliable source of water storage, with a maximum capacity of 208 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 42 acre-feet.
Despite its importance for water supply, Donnell Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and is considered to have a high risk potential. The dam lacks a spillway and has no associated locks, making it crucial for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality. With its location on TR-SALEM CREEK and under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District, the dam poses a potential hazard that requires careful monitoring and risk management measures to protect the surrounding area from flooding and other water-related risks.
Overall, Donnell Lake Dam stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in Texas, providing essential water supply for the region. However, its high-risk potential underscores the need for ongoing monitoring, inspections, and maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and safeguarding dams like Donnell Lake Dam becomes increasingly critical for the resilience and sustainability of water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
925 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALEM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nueces Rv At Cotulla
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv Nr Derby
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
1cfs |
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
San Casimiro Ck Nr Freer
|
0cfs |
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.
Donnell Lake Dam