Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brown Lake Dam, located in Throckmorton, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves as a vital water supply source for the area.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 182 acre-feet. Situated on Cow Creek, it plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding community.

Despite its importance, Brown Lake Dam lacks certain safety features such as a spillway, making it a high-risk structure with limited risk management measures in place. The dam's condition is not rated, and it is not regulated by the state, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in its maintenance and safety protocols. With a hazard potential that is not available, there is a need for further assessment and evaluation to ensure the dam's resilience and security.

In the absence of state jurisdiction and enforcement, it is imperative for the owners of Brown Lake Dam to take proactive steps in inspecting and maintaining the structure to mitigate potential risks. The dam's location on Cow Creek presents both opportunities and challenges in managing water resources effectively and sustainably, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intricate balance between human needs and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

COW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

182

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.