Garden Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Campbell Lake Dam Sky Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Garden Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a private irrigation structure built in 1947 along the TR-VILLAGE CREEK river.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 23 feet, with a structural height of 26 feet and a length of 762 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond creation. It has a maximum storage capacity of 940 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 35 acres.
Although last inspected in 1976, Garden Lake Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway, with a width of 80 feet, is uncontrolled and features three outlet gates. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are currently marked as "Not Available" and "Not Rated" respectively, the dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate (3), indicating a level of risk management measures in place.
The Garden Lake Dam, a vital resource for irrigation purposes in the region, showcases the importance of maintaining and regulating dams to ensure safety and sustainability for both water resources and local communities. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and protect water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
762 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-VILLAGE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
940 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
91cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
12cfs |
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.
Garden Lake Dam