Shaw Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shaw Lake Dam, located in Rusk, Texas, is a privately owned structure built in 1960 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, providing vital water resources for the surrounding area. Despite being non-federally regulated, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements to ensure its safety and integrity.

The dam, situated on TR-DRY CREEK, does not have a spillway and is equipped with a single outlet gate. While its hazard potential is not available and its condition assessment remains unrated, the risk assessment categorizes it as high (2). The structure's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are currently not specified, indicating a potential area for improvement in the dam's overall safety and resilience. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find Shaw Lake Dam an intriguing case study in private dam management and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for water supply purposes.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.