Bess Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Lake Dam Lipsey Lake Dam No 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bess Lake Dam, located in Leon, Texas, was completed in 1964 and serves as a vital water supply structure in the area.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 179 acre-feet. Situated on Willow Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for the region, providing a reliable source of water for various purposes.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Bess Lake Dam's condition assessment is not rated, indicating a potential risk factor. With a high risk assessment level of 2, there is a need for proper risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. While the structure lacks a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate for water release. The dam's hazard potential is currently labeled as "Not Available," suggesting a need for further evaluation and monitoring.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Bess Lake Dam presents an opportunity to explore the complexities of managing water infrastructure in Texas. The dam's role in water supply, its design features, and risk assessment highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to safeguard against potential hazards. With ongoing inspection and enforcement protocols in place, there is a chance to enhance the dam's resilience and ensure its continued contribution to the local water ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Nid Storage |
179 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood
|
20cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood
|
2660cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
2670cfs |
Big Ck Nr Freestone
|
4cfs |
Trinity Rv At Hwy 287 Nr Cayuga
|
1680cfs |
Tehuacana Ck Nr Streetman
|
2cfs |
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.
Bess Lake Dam