Chisum Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Britain Lake Dam Buschman Dam 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Chisum Lake Dam, located in Hutchinson County, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves as an essential water supply source for the region.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned by a private entity, stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet. The dam is designed as an earth structure with a buttress core type, spanning a length of 500 feet.
Situated on the TR-South Palo Duro Creek, Chisum Lake Dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 5120 cubic feet per second. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam undergoes regular state inspections and permitting processes to ensure its operational integrity. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is not currently rated for its condition but is equipped with emergency action plans to address any potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chisum Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned water supply infrastructure in Texas. The dam's design and operational details offer valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk assessment protocols for ensuring the safety and reliability of such critical infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH PALO DURO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
13.3 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Palo Duro Ck Nr Spearman
|
0cfs |
Big Blue Ck Nr Fritch
|
0cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Amarillo
|
48cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
44cfs |
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.
Chisum Lake Dam