Franklin County Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Franklin County Dam, located in Mount Vernon, Texas, along Big Cypress Creek, was completed in 1971 and serves multiple purposes including recreation and water supply.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, stands at a height of 73 feet and has a length of 5250 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 164,000 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1010 feet and has undergone modifications in 1997 for structural improvements. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are not readily available, indicating potential areas for improvement in response preparedness. Overall, Franklin County Dam is a significant infrastructure for the region, safeguarding water resources and providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Franklin County Dam of interest due to its critical role in water supply management and its impact on the surrounding environment. The dam's design by Wisenbaker Fix & Assoc and Hayter Eng Inc, along with its state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight by TCEQ, highlight the collaboration and expertise involved in ensuring the dam's safety and functionality. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, understanding the infrastructure and risk factors associated with dams like Franklin County Dam becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices in the region.

Years Modified

1997 - Structural

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

5250

Dam Height

73

River Or Stream

BIG CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4750

Hydraulic Height

73

Drainage Area

75

Nid Storage

164000

Structural Height

73

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

73
       
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.