Carlos Vela Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Carlos Vela Lake Dam, located in Zapata, Texas, was completed in 1977 and stands at a height of 22 feet, with a length of 1500 feet.
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Summary
This earth dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing a habitat for various aquatic species in the area. With a storage capacity of 704 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
Managed by a private owner, the Carlos Vela Lake Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating, the dam has not been rated for its condition. With no spillway and limited outlet gates, the dam is designed to withstand the hydraulic pressures of its location along the TR-BLANCAS CREEK without compromising the safety of surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Carlos Vela Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and environmental conservation. As a vital structure for fish and wildlife preservation in Texas, the dam's role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem underscores the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate patterns. With its rich history and significant impact on the local landscape, the Carlos Vela Lake Dam stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLANCAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
54 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
704 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Laredo
|
1760cfs |
Zacate Ck At Laredo
|
0cfs |
San Casimiro Ck Nr Freer
|
0cfs |
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.
Carlos Vela Lake Dam