Bayou Loco Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bayou Loco Dam, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, stands as a vital structure designed by FREESE AND NICHOLS in 1977 for the primary purpose of recreation, with additional benefits for water supply.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 71 feet and a length of 3675 feet, serves as a key component in managing the water resources of the area. With a storage capacity of 122,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 88.6 square miles, Bayou Loco Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and ensuring water availability for various purposes.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Bayou Loco Dam has been inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam boasts a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021, with a moderate risk rating. Equipped with uncontrolled and valve outlet gates, the dam also features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 521 feet to manage excess water flow. Despite its moderate risk level, Bayou Loco Dam continues to play a pivotal role in water management and recreation activities in the region, underlining its importance for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

3675

Dam Height

71

River Or Stream

BAYOU LOCO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2025

Hydraulic Height

71

Drainage Area

88.6

Nid Storage

122000

Structural Height

71

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

71
       
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.