Portales Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sammis Lake Dam Duddleston Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Cuero, Texas, the Portales Lake Dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and stretches 690 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 164 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.1 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water management in the area.
Although not regulated by the state, the dam is inspected and permitted, ensuring its safety and efficiency. With no spillway and limited discharge capacity, the dam poses a high risk level of 2, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to prevent any potential hazards. While its condition is currently not rated, the Portales Lake Dam remains an essential structure in maintaining water resources and supporting the local ecosystem in Gonzales County, Texas.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Portales Lake Dam an intriguing example of how private ownership and partnership with federal agencies can contribute to sustainable water management practices. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam, its role in fire protection, stock maintenance, and fish pond management highlights the intersection of human needs and environmental stewardship in the delicate balance of water resource management.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COPPERAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
164 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Peach Creek At Hwy 90 Nr Waelder
|
0cfs |
Sandy Fork Ck At Hwy 97 Nr Waelder
|
0cfs |
Plum Ck Nr Luling
|
9cfs |
Peach Ck Bl Dilworth
|
0cfs |
Colorado Rv At Smithville
|
465cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Gonzales
|
214cfs |
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.
Portales Lake Dam