Bowles Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bowles Lake Dam, located in La Salle, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose listed as "Other".


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1974, the dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a length of 1160 feet, providing a storage capacity of 314 acre-feet. Situated on TR-CHARAMUSCA CREEK, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the area, with a surface area of 23 acres and a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet.

Despite its age, Bowles Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, presenting a potential risk level of high (2). The dam lacks a spillway and has no associated locks, but does feature one outlet gate. It is not regulated by the state and has not been inspected or assessed for its emergency action plan or inundation maps. With its hazard potential listed as "Not Available", the dam's risk management measures and safety protocols remain unclear, making it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Bowles Lake Dam, nestled within the Galveston District, stands as a reminder of the intricate balance between water management and environmental stewardship. As a privately owned structure with limited oversight, its role in the local ecosystem and potential impact on climate resiliency highlight the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance practices. Understanding the complexities of water resource management at facilities like Bowles Lake Dam is crucial for safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the unpredictable forces of nature.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1160

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-CHARAMUSCA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

314

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.