Penny Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fort Bend, Texas, Penny Lake Dam is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1970 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 9 feet and a length of 380 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet with a normal storage of 28 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SAN BARNARD RIVER, the dam does not have a spillway and is classified as having a high risk potential.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Penny Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam poses a risk due to its high hazard potential. With no emergency action plan in place and limited information on risk management measures, there is a need for further evaluation and preparedness to address any potential issues that may arise in the future. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Penny Lake Dam serves as a point of interest for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental risk in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-SAN BARNARD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.