Hand Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hand Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt County, Texas, was completed in 1953 for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 620 feet, with a storage capacity of 338 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Murchison Creek, the dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has undergone inspections and is equipped with one outlet gate.
Although the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, it is considered to have a high risk level. The last inspection conducted on the dam dates back to July 1988. While the dam does not have a spillway, it serves an essential role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hand Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the infrastructure supporting agricultural activities in the region and the challenges associated with managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
620 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MURCHISON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
338 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
12cfs |
Trinity Rv At Trinidad
|
1890cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Hand Lake Dam