Gilliam Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilliam Lake Dam, located in Leon County, Texas, stands as a vital structure designed primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam spans 650 feet in length and towers at a height of 32 feet, providing essential water storage of 640 acre-feet for the surrounding area. While the dam lacks a spillway, it is equipped with a single outlet gate for water management.

Maintained by a private owner and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Gilliam Lake Dam is essential for ensuring water availability for both emergency purposes and recreational activities in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community. With its strategic location on TR-Ringgold Creek and the support of state agencies for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Gilliam Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the significance of Gilliam Lake Dam lies in its role as a key infrastructure for water storage and protection. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam continues to serve its primary purposes while also offering recreational opportunities for the community. As efforts continue to assess and manage the dam's risk potential, its strategic location and state-regulated status underscore its importance in sustaining water availability and mitigating potential hazards in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-RINGGOLD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

640

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.