Wickersham Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Temple Eastex Dam Walker Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wickersham Dam, located in Newton, Texas, was completed in 1959 and serves as a recreational facility along the HARVE DAVIS BRANCH river.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and primarily used for recreational purposes, with a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam poses a high risk (2) due to its condition assessment not being rated and lack of emergency action plan preparation.
The dam's design features an earth core with buttress foundations, and it does not have a spillway. It is notable for being the responsibility of private owners, with no state regulation or enforcement. The last inspection of Wickersham Dam took place in 1969, highlighting the need for updated risk assessment and emergency preparedness. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience may find Wickersham Dam to be a valuable case study in the maintenance and safety of small-scale recreational dams.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
HARVE DAVIS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Bon Wier
|
1870cfs |
Big Cow Ck Nr Newton
|
307cfs |
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
756cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Burkeville
|
365cfs |
Bundick Ck Nr De Ridder
|
460cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Ruliff
|
1600cfs |
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.
Wickersham Dam