Cotton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cotton Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, serves as a crucial water supply structure for the area.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and stretches for 770 feet along TR-CANEY CREEK. While it primarily caters to water supply needs, it also boasts a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet.
Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, with a high risk assessment due to limited data availability. It lacks a spillway and has no associated locks, relying on a single outlet gate for water management. While it is not state-regulated, the dam undergoes regular inspections and has a history of modifications to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The surrounding area's potential hazard is not available, emphasizing the need for continued maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard the community and water resources supplied by Cotton Lake Dam.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
770 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CANEY 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
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
15cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Kings Ck At Sh 34 Nr Kaufman
|
15cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
70cfs |
S Fk Sabine Rv Nr Quinlan
|
34cfs |
Trinity Rv At W Cedar Creek Pkwy Nr Dosser
|
2000cfs |
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.
Cotton Lake Dam