Balcar Lake Dam, located in Burleson County, Texas, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1979, this private earth dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 1500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 576 acre-feet. Despite its small drainage area, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Operated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Balcar Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safe and effective operation. With a high hazard potential rating, the dam is considered a vital infrastructure for the area, although its condition has not been officially rated. Despite the lack of spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures, the dam remains a key feature in the local landscape and an essential resource for water supply and recreational activities.
As a significant structure in the Galveston District managed by a private entity, Balcar Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of climate change challenges. Its role in providing fire protection, supporting local wildlife, and offering recreational opportunities underscores the need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
63 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
576 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
E Yegua Ck Nr Dime Box
|
0cfs |
Middle Yegua Ck Nr Dime Box
|
0cfs |
Davidson Ck Nr Lyons
|
0cfs |
Yegua Ck Nr Somerville
|
0cfs |
Brazos Rv At Sh 21 Nr Bryan
|
570cfs |
Little Rv Nr Rockdale
|
156cfs |