Porter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Porter Lake Dam, located in Baylor County, Texas, was completed in 1966 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 25 feet and a length of 600 feet, is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. It has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, making it a vital water resource for the area.

Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the state of Texas and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. While its hazard potential is categorized as "Not Available," a risk assessment has identified it as having a high risk level. The dam's location near the Brazos River highlights its importance for water resource management in the region.

Overall, Porter Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing essential water resources for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in Baylor County. Its construction and ongoing maintenance reflect the complex interplay between water management, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding critical infrastructure for the local community.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-BRAZOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.