Ford Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ford Lake Dam, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital water supply source for the region.
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Summary
This privately owned Earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of water supply, Ford Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Despite being a non-Federal dam and not regulated by the state, Ford Lake Dam presents a high risk potential and its hazard level is rated as "High (2)". The dam, which spans the Clear Branch river or stream, lacks a spillway and has not been assessed for its condition. With no emergency action plan in place and limited information available on its risk management measures, there is a need for increased monitoring and potential improvements to ensure the safety and reliability of this important water infrastructure.
Given its significance in water supply and the potential risks associated with its condition, enthusiasts of water resources and climate should pay attention to the Ford Lake Dam. The dam's location, design, and lack of regulatory oversight make it a noteworthy case study for understanding the challenges and complexities of managing water resources in a changing climate. Continued monitoring and potential enhancements to its infrastructure could be crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of this key water management asset.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Lanana At Nacogdoches
|
9cfs |
E Fk Angelina Rv Nr Cushing
|
40cfs |
Angelina Rv Nr Alto
|
328cfs |
Attoyac Bayou Nr Chireno
|
1200cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Carthage
|
9200cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Beckville
|
946cfs |
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.
Ford Lake Dam