Joseph Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Joseph Lake Dam, also known as Tom Joseph Lake No.


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Summary

25, is a private dam located in Hamilton, Texas, along TR-Bear Creek. Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes and as a water supply source. With a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, it offers opportunities for outdoor activities while also contributing to local water resources.

Despite not being state-regulated, Joseph Lake Dam is inspected and permitted by Texas authorities, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam lacks a spillway and has no associated structures, indicating a simple yet effective design. With a high hazard potential rating and a risk assessment of 2, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are crucial to mitigating potential hazards and maintaining public safety. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Joseph Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure contributing to both recreation and water supply in a rural Texas setting.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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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.