Nickels Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nickels Lake Dam, located in Cass, Texas, was completed in 1960 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 36 feet and a length of 500 feet, is situated on Beach Creek and has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Although the dam has no spillway and is not rated for its condition, it is considered to have a high risk potential. While the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment ranks at a level 2. The dam's emergency action plan status, contact information, and inundation maps are not readily available, suggesting a need for improved risk management measures and emergency preparedness for this structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nickels Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Texas. With its unique design features and risk assessment status, this dam offers an opportunity to explore the challenges and considerations involved in managing and maintaining small-scale dams in the face of changing environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
BEACH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sulphur Rv Nr Texarkana
|
576cfs |
Red River At Spring Bank
|
6440cfs |
Black Cypress Bayou At Jefferson
|
243cfs |
Big Cypress Ck Abv Sh 43 Nr Karnack
|
508cfs |
Little Cypress Ck Nr Jefferson
|
341cfs |
Big Cypress Ck Nr Jefferson
|
95cfs |
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.
Nickels Lake Dam