Lake Buckellen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Buckellen Dam, located in McLennan, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves as a vital water supply source in the region.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres. Despite being designed for water supply purposes, the dam does not have a spillway and is deemed to have a high risk potential.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Buckellen Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is situated on the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou, contributing to the local water ecosystem. With its primary purpose of water supply, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding communities, highlighting the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and risk management measures. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Buckellen Dam presents a noteworthy site worth monitoring and studying in the context of water management and conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.