Ikins Lake Dam No 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ikins Lake Dam No 2 Rock Cliff Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Ikins Lake Dam No 1, located in Bandera, Texas, was completed in 1938 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam is an earth structure with a core made of stone, standing at a height of 24 feet and stretching 465 feet in length. It holds a storage capacity of 420 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 197 acre-feet and a surface area of 25 acres. The dam is situated on Spires Creek and is regulated by the state with regular inspections conducted.
Despite being privately owned, Ikins Lake Dam No 1 is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements to ensure its safety and proper functioning. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 110 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. While the hazard potential and condition assessment of the dam are listed as "Not Available" and "Not Rated" respectively, a moderate risk level (3) is associated with the structure. Emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk management strategies are not specified in the available data.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Ikins Lake Dam No 1 intriguing due to its historical significance, recreational purpose, and the moderate risk level associated with it. The dam's location in Bandera, Texas, its design features, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight by the state provide an interesting case study for those interested in water infrastructure management and the intersection of human activity with natural water systems. The data available offers a glimpse into the complexities of dam regulation and the importance of ensuring the safety and maintenance of such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
465 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
SPIRES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1.51 |
Nid Storage |
420 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hermit's Shack Camp Area
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Butterfly Springs Camp Area
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Wilderness Camp Area
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Ikins Lake Dam No 1