Johnson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnson Lake Dam, located in Palo Pinto, Texas, is a private-owned structure built in 1963 primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 16 feet in height and stretching over 1040 feet in length, this earth dam holds a storage capacity of 211 acre-feet with a normal storage of 36 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Palo Pinto Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its age, Johnson Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition and is classified as having a high risk potential. It lacks a spillway and associated locks, with only one outlet gate identified. The dam's hazard potential is not available, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared. The risk management measures and risk assessment are also unspecified, leaving the dam's safety and maintenance in question.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Johnson Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the infrastructure supporting water supply in Texas. With its unique design and location along the Palo Pinto Creek, the dam presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management. As efforts to assess and address the dam's condition and risk potential continue, the importance of maintaining and monitoring these critical structures becomes increasingly evident in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-PALO PINTO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

211

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.