Bar S Ranch Upper Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bar S Ranch Upper Lake Dam, located in King County, Texas, stands as a testament to early 20th-century water resource management.


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Summary

Completed in 1921, this private-owned earth dam serves the primary purpose of water supply along the TR-North Croton Creek. With a structural height of 25 feet and a length of 630 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, making it a crucial resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Bar S Ranch Upper Lake Dam remains in relatively good condition, with a hazard potential of "Not Available" and a risk assessment rating of "High (2)". While the dam lacks a spillway and drainage area, it continues to provide essential water storage for the region. Its unique design, with a buttress core and unknown foundation type, highlights the engineering challenges faced by early dam builders.

As climate change increases the demand for reliable water sources, the historical significance and functional capacity of Bar S Ranch Upper Lake Dam underscore the importance of sustainable water resource management. With its location in a high-risk area, efforts to maintain and improve the dam's infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring the continued availability of water for both agricultural and domestic use in the region.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH CROTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.