Welch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Welch Lake Dam, located in Comanche, Texas, was completed in 1971 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 770 feet in length along the TR-Beattie Creek. With a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet, the dam is crucial for fire protection, stock watering, and small fish ponds in the area. Although the dam lacks a spillway, its condition remains unrated with a high risk assessment due to its hazardous potential.

While the dam has not been inspected since 1972, it is still in operation and maintained for irrigation purposes. The structure is classified as a buttress-type earth dam and currently poses no immediate threat to the surrounding community. Despite being privately owned, the dam's crucial role in providing water resources for irrigation highlights its importance in sustaining agricultural activities in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Welch Lake Dam in supporting local agriculture and water supply is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices in the area.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BEATTIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

196

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.