Ringo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Palo Pinto, Texas, Ringo Lake Dam is a private-owned structure primarily used for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1963, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet, with a storage capacity of 211 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the state of Texas, the dam has not been rated for its condition and poses a high risk due to its lack of spillway infrastructure and unknown hazard potential.

Ringo Lake Dam, situated on TR-Carter Branch, falls under the jurisdiction of the Fort Worth District and has not undergone any recent inspections or maintenance activities. The dam's design, classified as 'Buttress', lacks critical safety features such as spillways, posing potential risks to the surrounding area in the event of a breach. With limited information available on the dam's condition and emergency action plans, water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Ringo Lake Dam an intriguing case study for understanding the importance of proactive dam management and maintenance practices.

As water resources play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and communities, the state of Ringo Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding critical infrastructure. With no designated emergency action plan and a lack of hazard potential assessment, there is a pressing need for increased oversight and maintenance measures to mitigate potential risks associated with this aging structure. Enthusiasts in the field of water resource management and climate resilience can draw valuable insights from the case of Ringo Lake Dam in advocating for proactive measures to ensure the safety and reliability of vital water supply infrastructure.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-CARTER BRANCH

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.