Big Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Big Lake Dam, located in Camp Wood, Texas, is a private earth dam completed in 1971 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 550 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Camp Wood Creek and serves as a recreational spot for enthusiasts interested in water activities.

While Big Lake Dam is not state-regulated, it does have state permitting and inspection requirements in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 202 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a hazard potential that is not fully available. Despite its private ownership, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in the area.

Overall, Big Lake Dam serves as a vital structure in Real County, Texas, offering both practical and leisure activities for the local community. With its unique design, moderate risk assessment, and emphasis on water storage and management, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource infrastructure in the context of climate adaptation and sustainable development efforts.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

CAMP WOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.7

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

3.26

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.