Medders Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Medders Lake Dam, located in Archer, Texas, was completed in 1963 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and primarily made of earth with a buttress core, standing at a height of 14 feet and a length of 800 feet. With a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet and a surface area of 16 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Despite its age, Medders Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition, and its hazard potential is not available. However, the risk assessment indicates a high risk level with the need for proper risk management measures. The dam has no spillway and only one outlet gate, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts would find Medders Lake Dam an intriguing case study for understanding the complexity of managing water resources in a changing environment.

As part of the Little Wichita River system, Medders Lake Dam influences the local ecosystem and water flow dynamics. The dam's location within the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds to its significance in water resource management. While the dam's current risk level underscores the need for proactive measures, its historical background and diverse purposes make it a valuable asset for studying the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure management in Texas.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE WICHITA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

174

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.