Nix Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nix Lake Dam, located in Rusk, Texas, is a private earth dam completed in 1940 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 23 feet and stretching 525 feet in length, the dam impounds the waters of Wasson Branch, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 708 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1398 acre-feet. The dam's surface area covers 135 acres within a drainage area of 3.64 square miles.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Nix Lake Dam has been deemed to be in fair condition as of the latest assessment in April 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 28 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk rating, with a hazard potential currently not available, the dam has a history of routine inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2018. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, Nix Lake Dam remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure in Texas.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WASSON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

135

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

3.64

Nid Storage

1398

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.