Howard Wade Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howard Wade Lake Dam, located in Eastland, Texas, is a privately owned structure built in 1967 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the South Fork Palo Pinto Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet with a length of 426 feet, providing a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite not having a spillway, it serves as a vital water source for the area.

The dam, managed by the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, has a high risk assessment due to its condition being not rated and a lack of emergency action plan preparation. With no previous inspection recorded, there is a need for regular assessments to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. While the structure has not faced any regulatory enforcement, its critical role in supplying water for various purposes highlights the importance of maintaining its integrity for the community's benefit.

Water and climate enthusiasts will find Howard Wade Lake Dam an intriguing landmark, given its historical significance and essential role in providing water resources for firefighting and livestock. As a privately owned structure in Texas, this dam presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management practices. Continuous monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial in safeguarding the dam's functionality and addressing any potential risks associated with its operation.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

426

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK PALO PINTO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.