Bell Sand Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bell Sand Dam, located in Tyler, Texas, stands as a significant earth dam constructed in 1965 across the TR-Black Fork Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 16 feet and a length of 420 feet, the dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and boasts a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for condition assessment and holds a high risk potential, signaling the need for further evaluation and potential risk management measures.

Owned privately, Bell Sand Dam remains a vital structure for water resource management in Smith County, Texas. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage along the creek, although it lacks a spillway and has not been fully evaluated for its hazard potential. The presence of only one outlet gate raises questions about its emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a flood or other unforeseen circumstances.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, Bell Sand Dam offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety. Its historical significance and current risk assessment status highlight the ongoing challenges and importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for the protection of communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK FORK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

88

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.