Drakes Branch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Drakes Branch Lake Dam, located in Tyler, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves as a water supply source in the area.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 11 feet and a length of 830 feet, is primarily designed for water storage with a normal capacity of 44 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam poses a high risk (rated 2) due to its condition assessment being marked as "not rated" and the hazard potential being labeled as "not available."

Owned by a private entity, Drakes Branch Lake Dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation. It is interesting to note that the dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any other structures. With no inspection or maintenance data available, the risk management measures and emergency preparedness for this dam are unclear. Given its critical role in water supply, further assessment and monitoring of Drakes Branch Lake Dam are crucial to ensure its safety and efficiency in the face of potential climate challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TR-DRAKES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

55

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.