Old City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Old City Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this Earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches over 1130 feet, creating a serene 25-acre surface area for activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, providing a peaceful escape for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

With a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet, Old City Lake Dam overlooks the Hoard Branch river and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is state-permitted and inspected, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are not currently rated, the risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a moderate risk level (3), highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

1130

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

HOARD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.