Browns Lake Railroad Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Browns Lake Railroad Dam, located in Rusk, Texas, was completed in 1905 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This earth dam with a height of 19 feet and length of 320 feet holds a storage capacity of 296 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 70 acres for outdoor activities. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, with a high risk assessment of 2 due to its lack of a spillway and unknown hazard potential.

Owned privately, Browns Lake Railroad Dam overlooks TR-Mill Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Texas. Although it is not regulated by state agencies, it is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements. The primary purpose of the dam is recreation, attracting visitors to its scenic surroundings and offering a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. Despite its historical significance and contribution to the local community, the dam's condition and safety measures remain uncertain, making it an intriguing site for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

70

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

296

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.