Pinkerton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinkerton Lake Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 470 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 63 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure safety and compliance.

The Pinkerton Lake Dam is situated on the TR-Prairie Creek, within the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 70 feet and four uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a moderate risk (3) according to the risk assessment. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no available hazard potential information. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a crucial infrastructure for irrigation and other purposes in the region, serving as a vital water resource for the community.

Overall, Pinkerton Lake Dam plays a significant role in water management and agricultural activities in the area, providing essential irrigation water for farming and livestock. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulations and oversight to ensure its safety and functionality. With its moderate risk assessment and regular inspections, the dam continues to support the local ecosystem and economy while maintaining a crucial role in water resource management in Smith County, Texas.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-PRAIRIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

102

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.