Lake Thunderbird Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Thunderbird Dam, located in Bastrop, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by Bryant-Curington Inc.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1962, stands at a height of 21 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. It is an earth dam with a buttress core type, spanning a length of 1200 feet along the TR-Gravelly Creek.

The dam has a normal storage capacity of 159 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and an outlet gate configuration of one uncontrolled gate. The dam has a moderate risk rating and was last inspected in 2010, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, the dam is considered to meet regulatory guidelines.

Lake Thunderbird Dam provides a vital source of water for recreational activities in the area and is a key component of the local infrastructure. With its picturesque location and important role in water resource management, the dam serves as a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and utilization of natural resources.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-GRAVELLY CRK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

290

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.