Vaughn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vaughn Lake Dam, located in Kaufman, Texas, serves as a crucial water supply structure for the region, primarily drawing water from the TR-BOIS DARC CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1963, the earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and stretches for 1050 feet, providing a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. Despite its essential role in water management, the dam's condition assessment was rated as poor in April 2021, highlighting the need for potential maintenance and upgrades to ensure its long-term functionality.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 68 feet, capable of discharging a maximum of 418 cubic feet per second. While the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment categorizes the structure as moderate (3), emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) overseeing state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, Vaughn Lake Dam remains a critical component of the water infrastructure in the area, necessitating continued attention to its maintenance and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BOIS DARC CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

106

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.