Winter Valley Estates Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Winter Valley Estates Dam, located in Kenefick, Texas, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970 by Woodward-Clyde / H Platt Thompson, this buttress dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 340 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Long John Creek and has a spillway width of 70 feet.

While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it has been inspected periodically, with the last inspection conducted in April 2011. With an uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment, the dam poses a potential hazard, although specific risk management measures and emergency action plans are not currently available. Despite lacking state regulatory oversight, the dam continues to serve as a recreational asset, offering a surface area of 7.7 acres for visitors to enjoy. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Winter Valley Estates Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and management.

Years Modified

1980 - Other

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

LONG JOHN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.7

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

201

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.