Machen Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Gilmer Dam Allen Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Machen Lake Dam, located in Upshur, Texas, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 475 feet.
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Summary
This private earth dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 96 acre-feet. The dam sits on the TR-Little Cypress Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the state of Texas.
Despite its age, Machen Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and its hazard potential is listed as "Not Available." The risk assessment for the dam is considered high, with a risk rating of 2 out of 3. Although there are no spillways and the dam does not have locks, it is equipped with one outlet gate. The dam's inspection frequency, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures are not available.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Machen Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the management and maintenance of aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. The lack of critical information on the dam's condition and emergency preparedness highlights the importance of regular inspections and risk assessments to ensure the safety and reliability of such structures in the long term. As the debate over dam safety and climate resilience continues, Machen Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing water resource management with the need for infrastructure upgrades and modernization.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE CYPRESS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
88cfs |
Little Cypress Ck Nr Ore City
|
120cfs |
Big Cypress Ck Nr Pittsburg
|
20cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Gladewater
|
451cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
243cfs |
Big Cypress Ck At Us Hwy 271 Nr Pittsburg
|
10cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Gilmont
|
||
Old Camp
|
||
camp Mabey
|
||
Camp Deer Run
|
Machen Lake Dam