Langford Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Langford Lake Dam, located in Fentress, Texas, was completed in 1973 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 8 feet tall and 2400 feet long, holds a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet of water. The structure, classified as a buttress dam, sits on the Off Ch-San Marcos River and is under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District.

Despite being a privately owned dam, Langford Lake Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam lacks a spillway and has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, with a high risk assessment level of 2, it is crucial for emergency action plans to be prepared and guidelines followed to mitigate any potential hazards. The last inspection was conducted in 2009, with an inspection frequency of 5 years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Langford Lake Dam serves as an interesting case study of a recreational dam in Texas. Its design, construction, and management offer valuable insights into the interactions between human-made structures and the natural environment. With its unique characteristics and risk profile, Langford Lake Dam presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

2400

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

OFF CH-SAN MARCOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.