Lake Gay Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Gay Dam, located in Wood County, Texas, stands as a vital structure for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam with a buttress core reaches a height of 28 feet and spans 450 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, Lake Gay Dam serves as a crucial resource for the local community, providing essential water supply for various needs.

Although the dam does not have a spillway, its structural integrity is regularly inspected to ensure public safety. Despite being classified as having a high risk potential, the condition assessment remains unrated. With no designated emergency action plan in place, the risk management measures for Lake Gay Dam are yet to be fully established. As a privately-owned structure, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Lake Gay Dam to be a fascinating example of how private ownership can contribute to sustainable water management. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s and its crucial role in fire protection and recreational activities, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and inspecting such structures to ensure public safety and environmental resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.