Dickenson Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dickenson Ranch Lake Dam is a privately owned structure located in McMullen, Texas, with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this Earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches for 770 feet along the Hackberry Hollow river. With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as having a high risk potential, the condition assessment of Dickenson Ranch Lake Dam remains unrated. The dam does not have a spillway and features one outlet gate. Although it is not under federal jurisdiction, the state of Texas permits and inspects the structure regularly, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its importance in providing water supply for the area cannot be understated.

Dickenson Ranch Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for the local community, ensuring a steady supply of water for agricultural and domestic needs. As climate change continues to impact water availability in the region, the proper maintenance and monitoring of this dam will be crucial to ensure water security for the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role that Dickenson Ranch Lake Dam plays in sustainable water management and the challenges it faces in the context of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

HACKBERRY HOLLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.