Lake Merritt Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Mills County, Texas, the Lake Merritt Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence, with a history dating back to its completion in 1917.
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Summary
Designed by Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe and Hearn Engineering, this earth dam with a buttress core serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community, offering a surface area of 98.1 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 1,595 acre-feet.
With a structural height of 28 feet and a length of 1,310 feet, the dam impounds water from Browns Creek, providing not only recreational opportunities but also important flood control benefits for the surrounding area. The dam boasts uncontrolled spillways and a combination of two uncontrolled and two valve outlets, ensuring proper water management. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment in 2015, the Lake Merritt Dam continues to be a reliable and essential infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
As a regulated and inspected structure under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam undergoes regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment level, the dam remains a critical component of the local watershed, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Lake Merritt Dam represents a blend of history, engineering innovation, and environmental stewardship in the heart of Texas.
Years Modified |
2004 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
1310 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BROWNS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
98.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
11.6 |
Nid Storage |
1595 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pecan Bayou Nr Mullin
|
2cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr San Saba
|
211cfs |
San Saba Rv At San Saba
|
140cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hasse
|
2cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hamilton
|
4cfs |
Copperas Ck At Fm 2247 Nr Comanche
|
2cfs |
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.
Lake Merritt Dam
County Highway O, Laclede, County, Missouri To Ozark Spring