Head Lake Dam dam
Head Lake Dam
Head Lake Dam in Mills, Texas, stands as a vital structure providing water supply for the region since its completion in 1976. This private-owned Earth dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 666 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area through its water supply purpose. Situated on the Pigfoot Hollow stream, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, contributing to the overall water security and sustainability efforts.
Despite its importance, Head Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its condition assessment being not rated, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures. With no spillway and minimal regulatory oversight, the dam's hazard potential is not available, raising concerns for its long-term safety and functionality. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and addressing the risks associated with Head Lake Dam is crucial in ensuring the continued availability of water supply and mitigating potential hazards in the area.
Given its location in a high-risk zone and lack of regulatory enforcement, Head Lake Dam serves as a focal point for discussions on improving dam safety and emergency preparedness measures. Engaging with local authorities and stakeholders to enhance risk assessment, inspection frequency, and emergency action plans can contribute to better managing the dam's potential hazards. As advocates for sustainable water management practices, advocating for the proper maintenance and monitoring of Head Lake Dam is essential in safeguarding both water resources and the surrounding community from potential risks and impacts.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Head Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rv Nr San Saba | 129 cfs | → |
| Pecan Bayou Nr Mullin | 2 cfs | → |
| San Saba Rv At San Saba | 108 cfs | → |
| Cowhouse Ck At Pidcoke | 25 cfs | → |
| Lampasas Rv Nr Kempner | 59 cfs | → |
| Leon Rv Nr Hamilton | 6 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Head Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Shaw Bend; Cr 124 Bridge. Colorado River Access
- Highway 190 Crossing. Colorado River Access
- Colorado Bend State Park
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Head Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Head Lake Dam
Where does the data for Head Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Not Available hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Head Lake Dam.