Lake Childress Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Baylor Lake Dam Williams Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Childress Dam, located in Childress, Texas, is a vital water resource for the region, serving primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1922, this earth dam stands at 43 feet in height and spans 3200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 6800 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the H K Canyon river and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.
Despite its age, Lake Childress Dam has undergone modifications in 1996 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities. The dam features controlled and uncontrolled outlet gates and has a spillway width of 321 feet to manage potential overflow. However, recent assessments have deemed the dam's condition as unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
As a hub for water and climate enthusiasts, Lake Childress Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. With its scenic location and important role in the local ecosystem, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to balance human activities with environmental conservation. By staying informed about the dam's condition and participating in conservation efforts, enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable use of water resources in the region.
Years Modified |
1996 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
3200 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
H K CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
313 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
6800 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Childress Dam