Big Sandy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Sandy Dam, located in Big Sandy, Texas, is a privately owned structure that has been serving as a recreational spot since its completion in 1910.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 1700 feet, holding a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Hills Creek, it covers a surface area of 28 acres within its drainage area of 1.11 square miles.

Despite being a privately owned dam, Big Sandy Dam falls under state regulation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with permits, inspections, and enforcement being carried out regularly. The dam has no spillway, locks, or outlet gates, and its hazard potential is currently not available. However, it is classified as having a high risk assessment level. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1979, and its condition remains unrated.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Sandy Dam presents a historical and recreational site in Upshur County, Texas. With its earth dam structure and buttress core type, the dam continues to provide opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. While its risk assessment is marked as high, the dam's impact on the surrounding environment and community underscores the importance of proper maintenance and regulatory oversight to ensure safety and sustainability for the future.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR-HILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1.11

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.