Capitol Cattle Lake No 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Capitol Cattle Lake No 3 Dam, located in Travis County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 24 feet and stretching 300 feet in length, this dam was completed in 1966 and has a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite having no spillway, the dam has one outlet gate for water release. The dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, situated on the TR-Onion Creek, is a vital resource for the surrounding agricultural community, providing water for irrigation needs. However, with a high hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 2 (considered high), there are concerns about the dam's safety and potential impacts in case of failure. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it is crucial to have risk management measures in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Capitol Cattle Lake No 3 Dam is crucial for sustainable water management practices. With its role in irrigation and the potential risks involved, it is vital to ensure proper upkeep, inspection, and emergency preparedness to safeguard both the dam's functionality and the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-ONION CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

73

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.