Matula Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Matula Lake Dam, located in McMullen, Texas, is a private water supply dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1970.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 13 feet with a length of 920 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, offering a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Salt Creek and is managed by its private owner.

Despite its high hazard potential and lack of a spillway, Matula Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. With a risk assessment indicating a high risk level of 2, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unknown. The dam's location in Three Rivers, Texas, highlights its importance in providing water resources to the surrounding area, but its lack of state regulation and enforcement raises concerns for potential risks in the event of a failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Matula Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in the management and safety of private dams.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR-SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

220

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.