Sammis Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Portales Lake Dam Avery Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sammis Lake Dam, located in Gonzales, Texas, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches for 1100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. The dam, situated on TR-Copperas Creek, serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.
With a high hazard potential rating and a risk assessment score of 2, Sammis Lake Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for the surrounding area. Despite not being state regulated, the dam undergoes regular inspections and meets state permitting requirements. The absence of a spillway and limited discharge capacity highlight the importance of effective monitoring and maintenance to uphold the integrity of the structure and safeguard the community from potential hazards.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Sammis Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between water resource management and climate resilience. Its strategic location and design underscore the need for proactive risk management measures to address the challenges posed by changing climate patterns and ensure the sustainable use of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COPPERAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Peach Creek At Hwy 90 Nr Waelder
|
0cfs |
Sandy Fork Ck At Hwy 97 Nr Waelder
|
0cfs |
Colorado Rv At Smithville
|
465cfs |
Plum Ck Nr Luling
|
9cfs |
Peach Ck Bl Dilworth
|
0cfs |
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.
Sammis Lake Dam