Bitter Creek Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: March 14, 2026
Bitter Creek Ranch Lake Dam in Donley, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1963 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
Summary
Standing at a height of 22 feet and a length of 992 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 176 acre-feet. Situated on East Bitter Creek, the dam lacks a spillway and has one outlet gate.
Despite being classified as high risk due to its condition assessment being not rated, the dam has not been evaluated for its hazard potential. The risk assessment notes its hazard potential as not available, raising concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts. With no previous inspection data available, the dam's current maintenance status and emergency preparedness remain uncertain, leaving room for further investigation and potential mitigation measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
992 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
EAST BITTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bitter Creek Ranch Lake Dam