Darnell Dam No 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Darnell Dam No 4 Darnell Dam No 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Van Zandt, Texas, Darnell Dam No 3 is a private earth dam built in 1952 for recreational purposes along the TR-Grand Saline Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 16 feet with a length of 720 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 33 acre-feet. Despite being non-state regulated, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements.
With a primary purpose of recreation, Darnell Dam No 3 offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Although it has not been rated for condition assessment, the dam is under a high-risk category with unspecified risk management measures in place. The absence of a spillway and limited structural information may raise concerns among stakeholders, prompting the need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Even though the dam has not been modified in decades and lacks detailed regulatory oversight, its presence along the Grand Saline Creek serves as a reminder of the importance of water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the upkeep and monitoring of structures like Darnell Dam No 3 become essential in safeguarding both human and ecological well-being.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND SALINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
12cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
91cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Darnell Dam No 3