Cartwright Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cartwright Lake Dam, located in Henderson, Texas, was completed in 1953 and stands at a height of 21 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, primarily used for recreation purposes, holds a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-ANDING BRANCH and is managed by a private owner.

Despite not being state-regulated, Cartwright Lake Dam has undergone state inspections and permitting processes. The dam lacks a spillway and has a hazard potential that is currently not available. Its condition assessment is not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation. With a high risk level of 2, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor developments regarding the dam's safety and maintenance.

While the dam's structural integrity and risk management measures are not fully detailed, its historical significance and potential impact on the surrounding environment make it a subject of interest for those passionate about water resources and climate change. As discussions surrounding infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness continue to evolve, Cartwright Lake Dam serves as a notable case study for evaluating the intersection of recreational use, regulatory oversight, and risk assessment in the realm of water resource management.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

513

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-ANDING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.