Lake Comanche Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Comanche Dam, located in Newburg, Texas, is a private-owned structure constructed in 1948 by FREESE AND NICHOLS for irrigation purposes on Mercer Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 48 feet and a length of 2740 feet, this earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 10,634 acre-feet with a normal storage of 4,800 acre-feet. The dam serves dual purposes of irrigation and recreation, providing essential water resources for the region while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors.

Despite its significance, the dam's condition assessment was deemed unsatisfactory as of April 2021, with a moderate risk rating. The inspection frequency is set at every two years, with the last inspection conducted in March 2016. Lake Comanche Dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 666 feet and outlet gates including a slide gate and two uncontrolled gates. The dam's hazard potential is not available, and there are no records of Emergency Action Plans meeting guidelines or inundation maps being prepared, signaling a need for further risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the area.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

2740

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

MERCER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

382

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

37.8

Nid Storage

10634

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

48
       
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.