Waddell Ranch Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waddell Ranch Lake No 1 Dam, located in Palo Pinto, Texas, was completed in 1959 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and water supply.


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Summary

This private earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. Despite being non-regulated by the state, the dam is regularly inspected and permitted for operation.

Situated along TR-Lake Palo Pinto, the dam does not feature a spillway and is equipped with a single outlet gate. With a surface area of 10 acres and a drainage area of 0, the dam poses a high risk (2) due to its condition being not rated and a lack of available information on emergency action plans. The surrounding area, which includes the city of Brazos, relies on this dam for various water needs, making it a vital resource for the community.

Although the dam's hazard potential and risk assessment are undisclosed, its location within the Fort Worth District underlines its significance in water resource management. Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate the unique design and purpose of Waddell Ranch Lake No 1 Dam, showcasing the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems in sustaining water sources for both wildlife and local populations.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

1110

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-LAKE PALO PINTO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

151

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.