La Perla Ranch Lake No 4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
La Perla Ranch Lake No 4 Dam, located in Zapata, Texas, was completed in 1977 and stands at a height of 13 feet, with a length of 1550 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 146 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 18 acres.
Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate to control water flow. La Perla Ranch Lake No 4 Dam is situated on the TR-Rio Grande river and falls under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the dam is currently deemed to have a hazard potential that is not available for assessment and its condition is listed as "Not Rated". Despite not being state regulated or enforced, the dam undergoes regular state inspections and permitting processes.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, La Perla Ranch Lake No 4 Dam presents an interesting case study in dam construction and management. Its unique design features and location on the Rio Grande river provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with water resource development in Texas. As the dam continues to be monitored and assessed for risk, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
1550 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
La Perla Ranch Lake No 4 Dam