Lake Palo Pinto Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Palo Pinto Dam, located in Palo Pinto, Texas, is a crucial water supply structure managed by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 96 feet, with a hydraulic height and structural height matching this figure. The dam's primary purpose is water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 44,100 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 186,000 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area's water needs.

The dam spans a length of 1,255 feet and has a surface area of 2,661 acres, impounding water from Palo Pinto Creek. With a maximum discharge capacity of 362,299 cubic feet per second, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway 550 feet wide. Despite having a fair condition assessment as of June 2014, the dam poses a moderate risk (level 3) according to the data available. With the dam's construction overseen by notable engineering firms like FREESE AND NICHOLS AND ENDRESS AND HDR, URS/FORREST AND COTTON, INC., Lake Palo Pinto Dam stands as a vital infrastructure ensuring water supply for the region.

Years Modified

1974 - Structural, 1996 - Structural

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1255

Dam Height

96

River Or Stream

PALO PINTO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2661

Hydraulic Height

96

Drainage Area

471

Nid Storage

186000

Structural Height

96

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

96
       
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.