Bracken Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bracken Ranch Lake Dam, located in McMullen, Texas, was completed in 1967 and stands at a height of 14 feet.


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Summary

This private earth dam serves primarily as a water supply source, with a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a normal storage of 40 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-BLACK HILL HOLLOW river or stream, under the jurisdiction of the state of Texas.

Despite being a non-federally regulated structure, Bracken Ranch Lake Dam has a high-risk potential, with a hazard rating of "Not Available" and a condition assessment of "Not Rated". The dam lacks a spillway and associated locks, and its outlet gates are listed as "None - 1". While the dam's risk management measures are not specified, its risk assessment indicates a high level of risk.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the state of dams in Texas, Bracken Ranch Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study. With its unique design features and high-risk potential, this earth dam serves as a focal point for discussions on dam safety and management in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK HILL HOLLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

106

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.