Russell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Russell Lake Dam, located in Glen Rose, Texas, is a privately owned structure completed in 1969 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 600 feet, impounds Barker Branch to create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Despite being non-federally regulated, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its safety and compliance with water resource management standards.

The dam, with a buttress core design and no spillway, presents a high risk rating due to its age and condition assessment being not rated. However, its hazard potential is not available, suggesting a lack of data on potential risks associated with the structure. The dam lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps, raising concerns about preparedness for potential disasters. These factors highlight the importance of continued monitoring and risk management for Russell Lake Dam to safeguard water resources and communities downstream from any potential failures or breaches.

In a region where water supply is critical for various uses, Russell Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure component. With considerations for its risk profile and the need for updated safety measures, stakeholders and authorities should prioritize the maintenance and oversight of this essential water resource facility to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

BARKER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.