Bader Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bader Lake Dam, located in Medina County, Texas, was completed in 1960 and serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 31 feet, has a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 166 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also supports fire protection, stock, small fish pond, recreation, and water supply needs in the region.

Despite being a privately owned dam, Bader Lake Dam falls under state permitting and inspection regulations to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and is situated on TR-Hondo Creek. With no spillway and minimal hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as high (2), emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures to mitigate potential threats.

With Congressman Will Hurd representing the area and the US Army Corps of Engineers' Galveston District overseeing its operations, Bader Lake Dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Medina County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the maintenance and regulation of dams like Bader Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water-related activities in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

855

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-HONDO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

220

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.