Phillips North Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Phillips North Lake Dam, located in Denton, Texas, was completed in 1970 and serves as both a recreational spot and a water supply source.


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Summary

Designed by Sutton & Crow, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 670 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. Despite its small drainage area of 0 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the TR-Garza Little Elm Reservoir.

Managed by a private owner, Phillips North Lake Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes. The dam's hazard potential is not available, but it is classified as having a high risk (2). With no spillway and one outlet gate, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Phillips North Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam engineering and management. Its dual purpose of recreation and water supply, combined with its unique design features and risk assessment, make it a focal point for understanding the importance of maintaining infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As the dam continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial to ensure its long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-GARZA LITTLE ELM RES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None - 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.