Cullen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cullen Lake Dam, located on Yupon Creek in Colorado County, Texas, was completed in 1958 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 675 feet, creating a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet. Despite its relatively small size, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for the surrounding area.

Owned privately, Cullen Lake Dam is regulated by the state of Texas and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates for water release. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a high potential for hazard, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cullen Lake Dam serves as a notable example of a vital infrastructure supporting water supply in the region. Its design, construction, and ongoing management offer insight into the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining such structures in a changing climate. As the demand for water resources continues to grow, dams like Cullen Lake play a critical role in managing and distributing water effectively and sustainably.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

YUPON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.