Waddell Ranch Dam No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waddell Ranch Dam No 3, located in Palo Pinto, Texas, was completed in 1975 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 54 feet and has a length of 613 feet, providing a storage capacity of 488 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Joes Creek and is owned privately, with state permitting and inspection in place.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 72 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, the risk assessment is moderate. The surrounding area has a surface area of 16 acres and a drainage area of 0, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5850 cubic feet per second. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam plays a crucial role in water supply and fire protection for the region.

With its strategic location and purposeful design, Waddell Ranch Dam No 3 serves as a vital resource for the community of Brazos, Texas. The dam's construction and operations are not funded or regulated by federal agencies, making it a prime example of private ownership in water resource management. As a key feature on Joes Creek, this dam contributes to the local ecosystem while fulfilling its primary objectives of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

613

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

JOES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

54

Nid Storage

488

Structural Height

54

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

54
       
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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.