Nance Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kelly Lake Dam Coates Estate Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nance Lake Dam, located in Smiley, Texas, along TR-Elm Creek, was completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 927 feet, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond creation. With a normal storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 107 acre-feet, Nance Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.
Despite not being state-regulated, Nance Lake Dam is equipped with state permitting and inspection processes to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's hazard potential is classified as "Not Available," and its condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated." However, the risk assessment for this dam is considered high, indicating the need for proactive risk management measures in the future. Overall, Nance Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support in the ongoing effort to ensure sustainable water management practices in Texas.
With its strategic location in Karnes County and close proximity to the Fort Worth District, Nance Lake Dam is an essential element in the water resource infrastructure of the region. As a private dam primarily designed for fire protection and recreational purposes, this earth dam faces moderate risk levels that necessitate careful monitoring and management. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Nance Lake Dam in maintaining water supply for various uses while also recognizing the importance of implementing risk management measures to enhance its resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions and potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
927 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sandies Ck Nr Westhoff
|
0cfs |
Cibolo Ck Nr Falls City
|
33cfs |
Ecleto Ck Nr Runge
|
0cfs |
Cibolo Ck At Sutherland Springs
|
20cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Cr 143 Nr Gonzales
|
125cfs |
San Antonio Rv At Sh 72 Nr Runge
|
189cfs |
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.
Nance Lake Dam