Carter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Carter Lake Dam, located in Guadalupe, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans a length of 603 feet. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres, Carter Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate. Despite not being regulated by the state, Carter Lake Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements. With a high risk rating of 2, the dam poses potential hazards that necessitate risk management measures. While the dam's condition is currently unrated, ongoing assessments and emergency preparedness are essential to ensure the safety and stability of this vital water infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Carter Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure that contributes to fire protection and agricultural activities while holding significant storage capacity. As a privately owned entity, the dam's design and construction by USDA NRCS highlight the collaborative efforts between government agencies and private stakeholders in ensuring water security and sustainability. The dam's location in the Galveston District underlines its importance in managing water resources in the region, calling for continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
603 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Marcos Rv At Luling
|
103cfs |
Plum Ck Nr Luling
|
9cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Fm 1117 Nr Seguin
|
108cfs |
San Marcos Rv Nr Martindale
|
89cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Cr 143 Nr Gonzales
|
125cfs |
Plum Ck At Lockhart
|
7cfs |
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.
Carter Lake Dam
U.S. 90, Luling