Lake Throckmorton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Throckmorton Dam, located in Throckmorton, Texas, was completed in 1940 and stands at a height of 42 feet with a length of 1270 feet.


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Summary

This earth-filled dam is primarily used for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 3500 acre-feet and a surface area of 165 acres. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Built on Elm Creek, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 7000 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment in 2015, the dam poses a moderate risk level (3) due to its hazard potential being not available. The last inspection in 2014 indicated that the dam meets regulatory guidelines and emergency action plans are in place, although details about its inundation maps and risk management measures are not specified.

Overall, Lake Throckmorton Dam serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure for the local community and surrounding areas. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam continues to play a vital role in water supply management and flood control efforts in the region.

Years Modified

1996 - Structural

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

1270

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

165

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

11.5

Nid Storage

3500

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.