Richards Lake No 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richards Lake No 3 Dam, located in Santo, Texas, is a private-owned structure built in 1970 primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 37 feet and a length of 639 feet, this earth dam sits on TR-Big Sunday Creek and holds a storage capacity of 237 acre-feet. Despite being unlisted as a regulated dam in the state of Texas, it is subject to state inspections and permits.

This dam, with a buttress core type and no spillway, poses a high risk due to its condition being unassessed and its hazard potential not available. The lack of emergency action plans and updated contact information raises concerns about its ability to withstand potential disasters. As a key element of the water resource infrastructure, this structure serves as a critical lifeline for the local community and surrounding areas.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Richards Lake No 3 Dam an intriguing subject for further study and monitoring, given its significant role in water supply management in Palo Pinto County, Texas. The dam's historical evolution, current risk assessment, and potential environmental impact make it a compelling case study for understanding the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

639

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-BIG SUNDAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

37

Nid Storage

237

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.