Heitmeyer Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 31, 2025

Heitmeyer Lake Dam, located in Bell County, Texas, was completed in 1973 with a primary purpose of serving as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 678 feet, providing a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The dam is situated along the TR-Salado Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the state of Texas.

Despite being privately owned, Heitmeyer Lake Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and one uncontrolled outlet gate. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating and has not been rated for its current condition. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in December 2010, and the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and stability.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Heitmeyer Lake Dam offers a fascinating example of a privately owned structure designed to serve multiple purposes within the Texas landscape. With its unique design features and risk assessment profile, this dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of water management, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

678

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-SALADO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

76

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.