Kelly Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kelly Lake Dam, located in Smiley, Texas, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1975 for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet with a length of 872 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.4 acres. Despite not having a spillway, the dam has an outlet gate to regulate water flow.

The dam, situated on Rusten Branch in Gonzales County, Texas, is under state permitting and inspection but is not regulated by the state. With a high hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 2, Kelly Lake Dam poses a significant risk in case of failure, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. Owned by a private entity, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the local community, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the structure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

872

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

RUSTEN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.