Taylor Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Taylor Lake Dam, located in Maverick County, Texas, is a private-owned structure built in 1963 primarily for water supply purposes along the TR-ELM Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 14 feet high with a length of 595 feet, has a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 88 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in water resource management, the dam lacks a spillway and has a high hazard potential, rated at level 2.

The dam, designed as an earth structure with buttress core types, has not been rated for its current condition and is not regularly inspected or maintained. It has one outlet gate and no associated structures. Despite being state-permitted and inspected, the dam presents a significant risk due to its limited risk management measures and lack of emergency action planning. The risk assessment indicates a high level of risk associated with the dam's condition and potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Taylor Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and risk management in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water supply systems. With its historical significance and ongoing challenges, this structure highlights the need for continued monitoring and investment in sustainable water resource management practices to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term resilience of water supply infrastructure in Texas.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

595

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

196

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.