Lake De Lafosse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake De Lafosse Dam, located in Shackelford, Texas, was completed in 1925 and serves as a recreational reservoir along Dry Branch.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 1670 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1187 acre-feet. With a surface area of 106 acres and a drainage area of 13.7 square miles, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam, primarily designed for recreation, features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite being modified in 1982 for structural enhancements, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of January 2015. With a moderate risk rating of 3, Lake De Lafosse Dam poses no immediate hazard potential, but ongoing risk management measures are necessary to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the reservoir's recreational users.

Maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and recreational enjoyment, Lake De Lafosse Dam stands as a vital water resource for the region. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional role in water storage and flood control, underscores the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to sustain the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water demands.

Years Modified

1982 - Structural

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1670

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

DRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

106

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

13.7

Nid Storage

1187

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.