Graves Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Graves Lake Dam, located in Mills County, Texas, was completed in 1976 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, recreation, and water supply.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 630 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Situated on Merrell Creek, the dam is not regulated by the state and does not have a spillway.
Despite its high hazard potential, Graves Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks emergency action preparedness measures. Owned privately, the dam does not have a designated federal agency overseeing its operations or funding. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as high, indicating a need for comprehensive risk management measures to be put in place.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Graves Lake Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam that serves various important functions but lacks proper regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness. With its high risk potential and lack of condition assessment, there is a need for increased attention and action to ensure the safety and sustainability of this crucial water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
MERRELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pecan Bayou Nr Mullin
|
2cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hamilton
|
4cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr San Saba
|
211cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Hasse
|
2cfs |
San Saba Rv At San Saba
|
140cfs |
Copperas Ck At Fm 2247 Nr Comanche
|
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.
Graves Lake Dam