Skelly Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Skelly Lake Dam, located in Longview, Texas, was completed in 1930 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 17 feet and a length of 680 feet, holds a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet and has a maximum discharge rate of 546 cubic feet per second. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and is built on TR-LONG CREEK.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Skelly Lake Dam has undergone inspections and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and four outlet gates. The dam's hazard potential is not available and its condition is not rated. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), indicating a level of risk that requires attention and management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Skelly Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Texas. With its historical significance, engineering design, and risk assessment, the dam offers valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water use in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-LONG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

202

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.