Fern Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, Fern Lake Dam stands proudly as a private Earth dam completed in 1890 with a primary purpose of recreation along the Black Bayou.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at 18 feet in height and stretching 620 feet in length, this dam provides a storage capacity of 329 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 37 acres. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Fern Lake Dam has undergone state permitting and inspections to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam is classified as moderate risk, its hazard potential and condition assessment remain unavailable. The last inspection was conducted in 2009, and the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not reported. Fern Lake Dam offers enthusiasts of water resources and climate a glimpse into the history and engineering of early recreational infrastructure in Texas.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

BLACK BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

329

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.