Edwards Lake No 5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Edwards Lake No 5 Dam, located in Clay County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this dam has a height of 19 feet and a length of 54 feet, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-East Fork Little Wichita River and is under the jurisdiction of the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place.
Despite its age, Edwards Lake No 5 Dam has not been rated for its condition and is considered to have a high risk potential. This raises concerns for the surrounding area in the event of an emergency or failure. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate, with no associated structures or locks. With a lack of updated emergency action plans and risk assessment measures, there is a need for increased monitoring and management to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Edwards Lake No 5 Dam presents an intriguing case study for the maintenance and regulation of aging infrastructure. The dam's historical significance as a vital water source for fire protection and stock adds to its value, but also highlights the importance of proactive risk management and assessment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience and sustainability of structures like Edwards Lake No 5 Dam will be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
54 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST FORK LITTLE WICHITA R |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
E Fk Little Wichita Rv Nr Henrietta
|
0cfs |
Beaver Ck Nr Ringgold
|
145cfs |
Red Rv Nr Terral
|
200cfs |
Little Wichita Rv Abv Henrietta
|
0cfs |
Belknap Ck Nr Ringgold
|
112cfs |
Wichita Rv Nr Charlie
|
1850cfs |
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.
Edwards Lake No 5 Dam