Tonkersley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tonkersley Lake Dam, located in Kaufman County, Texas, was completed in 1962 with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This private dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 350 feet, providing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Muddy Cedar Creek, the dam is of earth type with a buttress core and is not regulated by the state. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is not rated, and it lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps.

Tonkersley Lake Dam, owned by a private entity, serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure but poses a high risk due to its condition. While it has not been associated with any federal agency or funding, the dam is subject to state inspections and permitting. The absence of spillways and emergency preparedness measures raises concerns about the dam's ability to withstand high discharges and potential emergencies. The dam's location and design warrant closer monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding areas and water resources.

In the midst of growing concerns about climate change and water resource management, Tonkersley Lake Dam stands as a key component of the region's water supply infrastructure. The dam's history, design, and risk assessment highlight the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the reliability of water supply for the community. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tonkersley Lake Dam serves as a case study in the importance of proactive dam management and emergency preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-MUDDY CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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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.