Bass Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bass Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a private earth dam standing at 16 feet high and stretching 560 feet in length.


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Summary

Built in 1969, its primary purpose is for water supply, with a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. The dam is situated along Cow Creek and is maintained by the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite not having a spillway, the dam has an outlet gate for water release. Its hazard potential is labeled as "Not Available" and it is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The risk assessment for Bass Lake Dam is considered high, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 2.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bass Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. With its high-risk classification and lack of certain safety features, there is a need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. As a key component of the water supply system in the area, the dam's condition and safety are crucial for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

COW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.