John M Brinegar Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John M Brinegar Dam, also known as Brinegar Lake, is a private earth dam located in McLennan County, Texas.


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Summary

Completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU, this dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is not regulated by the state. Despite its high hazard potential and lack of a spillway, the dam's condition remains unrated, making it a subject of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

While the dam lacks certain safety features like a spillway, it currently poses a high risk due to its design and potential for failure. The absence of regular inspections and maintenance further adds to the risk associated with this structure. With a single outlet gate and no inundation maps or emergency action plan in place, there is a need for increased monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in the event of a dam failure.

For those interested in water resource management and climate change impacts on infrastructure, the John M Brinegar Dam presents a unique case study. Despite its age and lack of state regulation, this privately owned dam showcases the importance of proactive risk assessment and management for earth dams in high hazard potential areas. As discussions around dam safety and climate resilience continue to evolve, the condition and management of structures like the John M Brinegar Dam serve as important considerations for sustainable water resource management practices.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

153

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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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.