Lopez Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: P Flores Lake Dam Adame Tank Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Lopez Lake Dam, located in Zapata, Texas, along the TR-SAN JUAN CREEK, has been a vital structure since its completion in 1942.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam primarily serves as a water supply source, with a storage capacity of 245 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 168 acre-feet. The dam stands at 17 feet in height and stretches for 1980 feet, playing a crucial role in controlling and managing water resources in the region.
Despite being privately owned, Lopez Lake Dam is subject to state inspection and permitting requirements, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with regulations. The dam, classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, has no spillway and a single outlet gate. Although its condition assessment is not rated, the dam is deemed to have a high risk potential, indicating the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against any potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lopez Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned infrastructure playing a key role in water supply management. With its historical significance and critical function in the area's water resources, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's safety and efficiency, it stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the realm of water resource management.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
1980 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAN JUAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
245 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
Rio Grande At Laredo
|
1760cfs |
Zacate Ck At Laredo
|
0cfs |
Los Olmos Ck Nr Falfurrias
|
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.
Lopez Lake Dam