Bluff Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bluff Spring Lake Dam, located in Harrison County, Texas, serves as a crucial water resource structure on Caney Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1950, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 525 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves purposes other than flood control or water supply, making it a unique feature in the area. Although it has no spillway, the dam is equipped with one outlet gate to regulate water flow.

Despite its age, Bluff Spring Lake Dam is currently assessed as being in "Not Rated" condition, with a high risk level of 2 out of 5. The dam's hazard potential is labeled as "Not Available," indicating a need for further evaluation and risk management measures. While state permitting and inspections are conducted regularly, the dam's emergency action plan and inundation maps are yet to be prepared or updated. Given its importance as a water resource structure, stakeholders and enthusiasts in the water and climate field may find Bluff Spring Lake Dam an intriguing case study for understanding the complexities of managing and maintaining dams in a changing environment.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CANEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.