Swan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swan Lake Dam, located in Leon County, Texas, is a vital structure managed by the local government for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1971, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 950 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Running Creek, serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its tranquil surroundings.

Despite being labeled as having a fair condition assessment in 2015, Swan Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's spillway, with a width of 44 feet, is uncontrolled and can handle a maximum discharge of 3 cubic feet per second. Modifications were made in 2008 for structural improvements and in 2011 for hydraulic enhancements, demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of this essential water management infrastructure.

With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Swan Lake Dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential hazards. As part of emergency preparedness efforts, the dam's owners are expected to meet guidelines for developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents in the event of a crisis. As water levels rise and fall in response to changing climate patterns, Swan Lake Dam remains a resilient structure that highlights the importance of proactive management and monitoring in the face of environmental challenges.

Years Modified

2008 - Structural, 2011 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

RUNNING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

1.24

Nid Storage

175

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.