James Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Mcintyre Henslee Lake No 3 Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
James Lake Dam, located in Palo Pinto, Texas, serves as a vital water supply structure for the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and spans 782 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 508 acre-feet. Situated on the Palo Pinto Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding area.
Managed by a private owner and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), James Lake Dam is inspected and enforced regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With uncontrolled spillways and two outlet gates, the dam is designed to manage potential flood risks and maintain a moderate hazard potential rating. Despite not having a current condition assessment rating, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of water supply effectively, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As a key infrastructure in the Fort Worth District, James Lake Dam represents a critical component in the water supply system of Palo Pinto, Texas. With its strategic location on the Palo Pinto Creek and its capacity to store and regulate water flow, the dam plays a significant role in ensuring water security for the surrounding communities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and monitoring the condition and management of structures like James Lake Dam is essential for sustainable water management and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
782 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PALO PINTO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
508 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brazos Rv Nr Palo Pinto
|
55cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Graford
|
50cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Dennis
|
109cfs |
Leon Rv Nr De Leon
|
0cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr South Bend
|
28cfs |
Sabana Rv Nr De Leon
|
0cfs |
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.
James Lake Dam
Lk Palo Pinto Nr Santo