Fern Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Margaret Dam Highland Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Harrison, Texas, Fern Lake Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its earth core buttress design completed in 1902.
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Summary
Primarily used for recreation, this 21-foot high dam holds a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 277 acre-feet. The dam spans 430 feet along Picnitt Creek, creating a surface area of 49.5 acres and serving a drainage area of 1.1 square miles.
Despite its age, Fern Lake Dam remains in good condition with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 85 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates. While its hazard potential and emergency preparedness status are not available, the dam has not been inspected since May 1989. Managed by a private owner, Fern Lake Dam continues to be a vital resource for water recreation enthusiasts in the region, showcasing the enduring legacy of early dam engineering in Texas.
As a key feature in the Fort Worth District, Fern Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the historical development of water infrastructure in Texas. With its picturesque location and recreational purpose, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. While its risk assessment suggests a moderate level of concern, the dam's continued operation underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term viability for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1902 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
PICNITT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
49.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Cypress Ck Nr Jefferson
|
358cfs |
Big Cypress Ck Abv Sh 43 Nr Karnack
|
538cfs |
Black Cypress Bayou At Jefferson
|
241cfs |
Big Cypress Ck Nr Jefferson
|
97cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Beckville
|
946cfs |
Little Cypress Ck Nr Ore City
|
132cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Fern Lake Dam