Pinkston Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Pinkston Dam, located in Shelby County, Texas, stands as a vital water supply structure in the region, completed in 1977 with a height of 62 feet and a storage capacity of 13,500 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam, primarily constructed for water supply purposes, spans 2,600 feet across Sandy Creek, serving as a critical resource for the surrounding community in Center. Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Pinkston Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the water resources and climate resilience of the area.

With a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, Pinkston Dam boasts a spillway width of 254 feet and a drainage area of 14.05 square miles. Its uncontrolled spillway type, along with two uncontrolled and one valve outlet gates, ensures efficient water management and flood control measures. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's structural integrity and operational effectiveness underscore its importance in safeguarding water resources and supporting the environmental sustainability of the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pinkston Dam stands as a testament to the crucial role of infrastructure in managing and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

2600

Dam Height

62

River Or Stream

SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

549

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

14.05

Nid Storage

13500

Structural Height

64

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

64
       
Seasonal Comparison

Hourly 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.