Metzger Dam No 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Metzger Dam No 2 Metzger Dam No 3
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Metzger Dam No 1, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1959 for the primary purpose of water supply.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 330 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 570 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Little Saline Creek, the dam has a surface area of 38 acres and a normal storage capacity of 212 acre-feet.
Despite being regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoing state inspections and enforcement measures, the condition assessment of Metzger Dam No 1 is currently listed as "Not Rated". The hazard potential is marked as "Not Available" and the risk assessment is categorized as moderate. With uncontrolled outlet gates and an uncontrolled spillway, the dam poses a certain level of risk that warrants attention and potential risk management measures in the future.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Metzger Dam No 1 serves as an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Texas with a rich history dating back to the late 1950s. The dam's location on TR-Little Saline Creek and its role in providing water supply to the surrounding area highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure for both practical and environmental purposes. As discussions around water resource management and climate change continue to evolve, Metzger Dam No 1 stands as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SALINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
570 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
31cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
5cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
12cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
0cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
95cfs |
Kings Ck At Sh 34 Nr Kaufman
|
6cfs |
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.
Metzger Dam No 1