Lake Sweetwater Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Sweetwater Dam, located in Nolan, Texas, is a picturesque structure built in 1930 by HAWLEY AND FREESE AND NICHOLS.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 58 feet and has a hydraulic height of 58 feet, with a structural height of 69 feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, with additional purposes including water supply. The dam is situated on BITTER & COTTONWOOD CREEKS, covering a surface area of 220.5 acres and boasting a maximum storage capacity of 19,340 acre-feet.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a fair condition assessment as of June 2014, the dam has a hazard potential that is not available. The outlet gates of the dam include various controlled mechanisms such as slide gates and valves, allowing for efficient water flow control. The dam also features a spillway width of 610 feet.

Lake Sweetwater Dam offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. With its scenic surroundings and historical significance, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the region while providing a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates to appreciate and cherish.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

3030

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

BITTER & COTTONWOOD CREEKS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

220.5

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

104

Nid Storage

19340

Structural Height

69

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 4, Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

69
       
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.