Winkenwerder Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Winkenwerder Lake Dam, located in Gonzales, Texas, was completed in 1962 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 1425 feet, offering storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Mitchell Creek, this dam is crucial for water resource management in the region, particularly for fire protection and agricultural needs.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Winkenwerder Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its condition assessment being rated as 'Not Rated'. The dam lacks a spillway and has only one outlet gate, which raises concerns about its ability to handle maximum discharge levels. With no recent inspection data available, the emergency action plan status and risk management measures for the dam remain unknown, leaving potential vulnerabilities in the event of a catastrophic event.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Winkenwerder Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of private ownership, dam safety, and environmental risk management. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's condition and potential hazards, this structure serves as a focal point for discussions on the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring in safeguarding water resources and communities against the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1425

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-MITCHELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.