Rusk City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rusk City Lake Dam, located in Rusk, Texas, serves as an essential resource for irrigation and recreation in the area.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is primarily an earth dam type with a height of 36 feet and a length of 550 feet, providing storage of up to 298 acre-feet of water for agricultural purposes.

With College Creek running nearby, the dam has a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge of 1 cubic foot per second. In recent years, the dam underwent hydraulic modifications in 2017 to enhance its performance. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, the dam has a moderate risk level, indicating potential hazards that are being managed to maintain safety. The surrounding area covers 22.5 acres with a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, making it a vital water resource for the community.

Overall, Rusk City Lake Dam plays a crucial role in supporting local agriculture and providing recreational opportunities. With its strategic location and necessary regulatory oversight, the dam continues to be a significant asset for water management in the Cherokee County area. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and management of structures like Rusk City Lake Dam are essential to ensure sustainable water utilization for current and future generations.

Years Modified

2017 - Hydraulic

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

COLLEGE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.5

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

298

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.