Talpa Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Talpa Dam, located in Coleman, Texas, is a local government-owned structure designed by CCRA and completed in 1936.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 23 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes along Grape Creek. With a storage capacity of 518 acre-feet and a normal storage of 232 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 40 acres and has a drainage area of 3.04 square miles.
Despite its historical significance, Talpa Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of December 2016. The dam's hazard potential is not available, but its risk assessment is moderate. The outlet gates consist of one slide gate and two uncontrolled gates, while the spillway is of the uncontrolled type with a width of 173 feet. The dam is under the regulatory authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Talpa Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational use and dam safety in a picturesque setting. With its moderate risk assessment and poor condition, the dam presents a challenge for stakeholders to balance the preservation of its historical and recreational value with the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Understanding the complexities of managing dams like Talpa Dam is crucial for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
GRAPE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
40 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
3.04 |
Nid Storage |
518 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elm Ck At Ballinger
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0cfs |
Hords Ck Nr Coleman
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0cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr Ballinger
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0cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr Stacy
|
1cfs |
Concho Rv At Paint Rock
|
21cfs |
Jim Ned Ck At Cr 140 Nr Coleman
|
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.
Talpa Dam
Hords Ck Lk Nr Valera