New Lake Dam, located in San Patricio, Texas, was built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS and stands as a crucial structure for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, with a height of 16 feet and a length of 850 feet, holds a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose, the dam does not have a spillway, prompting questions about its safety and management in case of heavy rainfall events.
With a risk assessment rating of "High (2)", New Lake Dam poses a potential hazard to the surrounding area. The dam is not rated for its condition and lacks important emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps. The lack of state regulation and enforcement raises concerns about the long-term sustainability and safety of the dam, especially in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource challenges.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition and management of structures like New Lake Dam to ensure the safety of communities and the resilience of water resources in the face of climate change. Advocating for improved oversight, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures for dams like New Lake Dam can help mitigate potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAYOU CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Nueces Rv Nr Mathis
|
27cfs |
Nueces Rv At Bluntzer
|
0cfs |
Rincon Bayou Channel Nr Calallen
|
1cfs |
Nueces Rv At Calallen
|
0cfs |
Aransas Rv Nr Skidmore
|
2cfs |
Lagarto Ck Nr George West
|
0cfs |