Willow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willow Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a privately owned structure completed in 1928 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 27 feet in height and stretching 1350 feet in length, this earth dam on Wills Creek provides a storage capacity of 865 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 511 acre-feet. The dam's uncontrolled spillway measures 96 feet in width, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3814 cubic feet per second.

Despite being last inspected in 1993 and rated as "Not Available" in terms of hazard potential, Willow Lake Dam remains under state regulation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The risk assessment for this structure is classified as moderate, with no emergency action plan documented. Although the dam's condition is not currently rated, enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find interest in the history and engineering of this vital infrastructure along Wills Creek. With potential for recreation and water storage, Willow Lake Dam serves as a noteworthy feature in the Texas landscape.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

865

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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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.