Colwell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Tank No 2 Dam Walker Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Colwell Lake Dam, located in Webb, Texas, and completed in 1979, is a private-owned earth dam with a primary purpose that goes beyond traditional water resource management.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 1000 feet in length, the dam's NID storage capacity is 153 acre-feet, providing essential water storage for the region. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam's design is buttress-based, ensuring structural stability and support for its operations.
With a surface area of 19 acres and a normal storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, Colwell Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Although the dam is not state-regulated, it is subject to regular state inspections and permitting, ensuring that it meets safety and operational standards. While the dam's hazard potential is not available, its risk assessment is rated as high, indicating the importance of monitoring and maintaining the structure to mitigate potential risks effectively.
Managed by private owners, Colwell Lake Dam's role in water resource management in the region is significant, especially considering its location on TR-Salado Creek. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Colwell Lake play a crucial role in ensuring water security for communities and ecosystems. With a focus on risk management and operational efficiency, this dam stands as a vital infrastructure for both water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALADO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
153 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Casimiro Ck Nr Freer
|
0cfs |
Zacate Ck At Laredo
|
0cfs |
Rio Grande At Laredo
|
1760cfs |
Nueces Rv At Cotulla
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
0cfs |
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.
Colwell Lake Dam