Penitas Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: District Lake Dam Walker Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Penitas Lake Dam, located in Perezville, Texas, is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches across a length of 8910 feet, with a storage capacity of 576 acre-feet. Situated off the CH-RIO GRANDE river or stream, this dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its relatively small size, Penitas Lake Dam poses a high risk, as indicated by its hazard potential rating of "Not Available" and a risk assessment categorizing it as high. The dam does not have a spillway, locks, or inundation maps prepared, raising concerns about its ability to manage water flow effectively during periods of high discharge. While the condition assessment is not rated, the lack of emergency action plans and updated emergency contacts is a point of vulnerability that underscores the importance of ongoing risk management measures for the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Penitas Lake Dam serves as a case study in the complexities of managing irrigation infrastructure in a changing climate. As water resources become increasingly scarce and extreme weather events more frequent, the need for robust risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure maintenance is paramount to ensure the safety and sustainability of dams like Penitas Lake Dam in the face of uncertain environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
8910 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
OFF CH-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
120 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
576 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
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.
Penitas Lake Dam