Squaw Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Squaw Creek Dam, located in Somervell, Texas, is a privately-owned structure that plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.


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Summary

Constructed in 1977 by Freese and Nichols and Endress, this earth dam stands at a height of 152 feet, with a hydraulic height of 152 feet and a structural height of 159 feet. It spans a length of 4690 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 199,427 acre-feet, offering essential flood control and recreational benefits to the area.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Squaw Creek Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 2300 feet, provides controlled release of excess water during high flow events. With a drainage area of 64 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 151,047 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding communities and supports various recreational activities.

While categorized as having a moderate risk level, Squaw Creek Dam is equipped with emergency preparedness measures, including multiple outlet gates for water release. Its strategic location on Squaw Creek enhances the region's water supply and contributes to the overall climate resilience efforts in Texas. As an essential component of the water infrastructure network, Squaw Creek Dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable dam management in mitigating water-related risks and ensuring long-term water security for the area.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

4690

Dam Height

152

River Or Stream

SQUAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3228

Hydraulic Height

152

Drainage Area

64

Nid Storage

199427

Structural Height

159

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 3, Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

159
       
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.