Potts Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Countess Ranch Dam Turkey Tank Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Potts Dam, located in Atascosa, Texas, was completed in 1968 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 820 feet, providing a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-SAN MIGUEL CREEK and is managed by the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its relatively small size, Potts Dam poses a high risk, as indicated by its hazard potential rating of "Not Available" and a risk assessment of "High (2)". The dam lacks a spillway and has no designated inspection frequency or condition assessment, making its current structural integrity uncertain. While the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, it is permitted and inspected by the state, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for fire protection and water resource management in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change should take note of Potts Dam's unique characteristics and operational challenges. Its critical role in providing water for firefighting and livestock in a predominantly private setting underscores the need for proactive risk management measures and emergency preparedness. Collaboration between the dam's private owners, the state, and federal agencies will be essential to address potential safety concerns and ensure the sustainable utilization of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAN MIGUEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
0cfs |
Atascosa Rv At Whitsett
|
0cfs |
Atascosa Rv Nr Mccoy
|
1cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Choke Canyon Res Owc Nr Three Rivers
|
33cfs |
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.
Potts Dam