Martin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Martin Lake Dam, located in Tatum, Texas, is a privately owned structure on the Martin Creek, completed in 1974 by the design firm Forrest and Cotton.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 61 feet and has a length of 6875 feet, with a storage capacity of 182,300 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 75,116 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and water resource management, with a spillway width of 1184 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 65,300 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Martin Lake Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory, with a low hazard potential. In the event of an emergency, the dam has controlled and uncontrolled outlet gates to manage water flow. The surrounding area offers a surface area of 5,440 acres for recreational activities, making it a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to visit.

With its strategic location and vital role in managing water resources in the region, Martin Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible infrastructure design and maintenance. Its contribution to the local community's water supply, recreational opportunities, and environmental protection highlights the importance of sustainable dam management in the face of changing climate patterns. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Martin Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in action.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

6875

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

MARTIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5440

Hydraulic Height

61

Drainage Area

130

Nid Storage

182300

Structural Height

61

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

61
       
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.