Osborne Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Osborne Lake Dam, located in Trinity, Texas, was completed in 1958 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as recreation.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet with a length of 402 feet and a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks a detailed emergency action plan.

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is of earth type with a buttress core and is situated on TR-IRON CREEK within the Galveston District. With no spillway and limited regulatory oversight from the state, there is a high risk associated with the dam. The hazard potential and risk assessment are classified as "Not Available" and "High (2)" respectively, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and maintenance practices to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Osborne Lake Dam can observe its unique design features and historical significance within the context of water management in the region. As a crucial infrastructure for local water storage and ecological purposes, the dam presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable resource utilization and emergency preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

402

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-IRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

103

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.