Esperanza Ranch Lake No 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Esperanza Ranch Lake No 4 Dam, located in La Salle, Texas, was completed in 1960 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at 13 feet in height and stretches 1640 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition but is deemed to have a high risk potential (2) according to available data.

Situated on El Sauz Creek, the dam's purpose extends to fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond in addition to flood control. While the dam lacks a spillway, its single outlet gate assists with managing water levels. The surrounding area covers 5.5 acres, making it a modest yet essential structure in the local water resource management network. With no state jurisdiction and limited regulatory oversight, the dam's risk assessment highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness and safety in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1640

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

EL SAUZ CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.