Birdwell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Birdwell Lake Dam, situated in Tyler, Texas, serves as a vital water resource for irrigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1945, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 142 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 83 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1225 cubic feet per second.

Birdwell Lake Dam is nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Brush Creek and covers a surface area of 13 acres. The dam's structural integrity and hazard potential are currently rated as not available, with a moderate risk assessment. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam undergoes regular inspections and meets safety guidelines, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment. Additionally, the dam boasts two uncontrolled outlet gates, further enhancing its functionality and operational efficiency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Birdwell Lake Dam represents a unique engineering feat that combines functionality with recreational opportunities. With its strategic location and impressive design features, this dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing and managing water resources for the benefit of both agricultural and leisure pursuits. The ongoing maintenance and inspection efforts underscore a commitment to safety and sustainability, making Birdwell Lake Dam a valuable asset in the region's water management infrastructure.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BRUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

142

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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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.