Lake Copper Breaks Dam dam
Lake Copper Breaks Dam
Lake Copper Breaks Dam, located in Hardeman, Texas, is a state-regulated structure designed for irrigation purposes. Built in 1975 by HALFF AND ASSOCIATES INC, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans a length of 1960 feet along Devils Creek. With a storage capacity of 1501 acre-feet, it serves as an important water resource for the region, supporting agriculture and recreational activities.
Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Copper Breaks Dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet. Despite being last inspected in 1997, the dam is deemed to have a moderate risk level. While its hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, the structure's operational status remains intact with uncontrolled outlet gates ensuring water flow management. Lake Copper Breaks Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
As part of the Fort Worth District, Lake Copper Breaks Dam is a vital component of the local infrastructure, with Mac Thornberry (R) as the representative for the congressional district. Although its specific surface area and drainage area are not listed, the dam's role in supporting irrigation and recreation activities cannot be understated. With its strategic location and design, Lake Copper Breaks Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Copper Breaks Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Groesbeck Ck At Sh 6 Nr Quanah | 5 cfs | → |
| N Wichita Rv Nr Truscott | 3 cfs | → |
| Pease Rv Nr Vernon | 0 cfs | → |
| S Wichita Rv Nr Benjamin | 0 cfs | → |
| Salt Fork Red River Near Elmer | 7 cfs | → |
| Wichita Rv Nr Seymour | 3 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Copper Breaks Dam.
Track Lake Copper Breaks Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Copper Breaks Dam
Where does the data for Lake Copper Breaks Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Not Available hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Copper Breaks Dam.