Tatum Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tatum Lake Dam, located in Blanco, Texas, was completed in 1967 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the West Fork Hines Branch and is under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite not being state regulated, Tatum Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as having a risk level of 2 out of 5. The condition assessment of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated" and there is no emergency action plan in place. With no spillway and limited information on its inspection frequency and maintenance history, there are concerns about the safety and reliability of this structure in the event of a significant weather event or breach.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Tatum Lake Dam an intriguing subject for further study, as it combines elements of water management, environmental impact, and infrastructure resilience. The dam's location in a high-risk area, combined with its private ownership and lack of regulatory oversight, raises important questions about the long-term sustainability and safety of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FORK HINES BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Tatum Lake Dam