Spirit Of The West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spirit of The West Lake Dam, located in Grayson, Texas, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1965 for fire protection and stock purposes, this private-owned Earth dam spans 742 feet in length and reaches a height of 18 feet. The dam's primary purpose is to serve as a small fish pond, providing a vital source of water for the local ecosystem.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Spirit of The West Lake Dam boasts a fair condition assessment as of January 2018. With a storage capacity of 142 acre-feet and a normal storage of 43 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability in times of need. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and moderate hazard potential, the dam's structural integrity and regular inspections help maintain its functionality for the surrounding community.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Spirit of The West Lake Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for both environmental and emergency management purposes. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, the dam's importance in safeguarding the local area from potential hazards cannot be overstated. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the Spirit of The West Lake Dam stands as a symbol of the interconnectedness between human communities and the natural world.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

742

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

142

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 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.