Clayton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clayton Lake Dam, located in Young County, Texas, is a private earth dam built in 1964 with a primary purpose classified as 'Other'.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet and a length of 1500 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 272 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres. It is situated along TR-Little Salt Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place.

This dam, with a buttress core type and no spillway, poses a high risk according to the hazard potential assessment. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its maintenance and any potential modifications due to its risk level. With no federal involvement in ownership, funding, or regulatory aspects, the responsibility lies with the private owner to ensure the safety and integrity of Clayton Lake Dam.

As a point of interest for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Clayton Lake Dam serves as a case study in the importance of proper dam maintenance and risk management in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential hazards. Its location along TR-Little Salt Creek adds to its significance in the local water infrastructure network and highlights the need for regular inspections and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent any adverse impacts on the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

272

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.