Rice Lake Dam, located in Navarro County, Texas, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 950 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 544 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 197 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Rice Branch and is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and three outlet gates.
Despite its functional versatility, Rice Lake Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a moderate risk level. The last inspection in 2015 revealed the need for maintenance and potential safety concerns. The dam is owned privately and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Rice Lake Dam an intriguing site to study due to its historical significance, structural design, and current challenges in maintaining its integrity. With its proximity to the community and potential impact on local ecosystems, the dam presents a complex case for balancing water management, public safety, and environmental conservation. Further research and monitoring of Rice Lake Dam could provide valuable insights into sustainable dam management practices and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
RICE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
544 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Chambers Ck Nr Rice
|
11cfs |
Waxahachie Ck Nr Bardwell
|
1cfs |
Trinity Rv At W Cedar Creek Pkwy Nr Dosser
|
1560cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Rosser
|
1360cfs |
Chambers Ck At Fm 55 Nr Avalon
|
8cfs |
Waxahachie Ck At Waxahachie
|
7cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Highview - Bardwell Lake
|
||
Mott - Bardwell Lake
|
||
Waxahachie - Bardwell Lake
|