Ernst Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Peeler Dam No 1 Strickland Dam No 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ernst Dam, also known as Collins Ranch Dam, is a privately owned structure located in POTEET, Texas, along the TR-MACHO CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 850 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purposes of fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management in the area.
Despite its high hazard potential and lack of a spillway, Ernst Dam has not been officially rated for its condition. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, operates without locks and features one outlet gate. Its risk assessment categorizes it as high risk (2), highlighting the need for careful monitoring and potential risk management measures in the future. Given its location in Atascosa County, Texas, Ernst Dam plays a vital role in local water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Ernst Dam for its historical significance and functional importance in the local community. As a privately owned structure, it operates under state permitting and inspection protocols, ensuring its safe and effective operation for fire protection and water storage purposes. With the potential for risk management measures in the future, Ernst Dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure, hazard potential, and climate resilience in the Texas region.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MACHO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Atascosa Rv Nr Mccoy
|
1cfs |
Atascosa Rv At Whitsett
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
0cfs |
Choke Canyon Res Owc Nr Three Rivers
|
33cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ernst Dam