Putnam Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Moran, Texas, the Putnam Lake Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1911.


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Summary

This private-owned structure serves a crucial role in water supply, drawing from the TR-OAK CREEK. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 2200 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 1344 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for the surrounding community.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Putnam Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being rated as "Not Available" in terms of hazard potential and "Not Rated" for condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a high risk level (2). With no spillway and one outlet gate, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified.

While the dam's last inspection dates back to 1989, the Putnam Lake Dam remains a crucial element in water resource management in Callahan County, Texas. As climate change continues to impact water supplies and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Putnam Lake Dam becomes increasingly apparent for the long-term sustainability of the region's water resources.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-OAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

1344

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.