David Cleveland Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

David Cleveland Dam, located on Big Timber Creek in Hemphill, Texas, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam, primarily designed for flood risk reduction, stands at a height of 26 feet with a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 376 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 81 acre-feet, serving purposes such as fire protection, stock or small fish pond, and flood risk reduction.

The dam's spillway, measuring 40 feet in width, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. Despite having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for David Cleveland Dam is rated as moderate (3). The dam is not under the jurisdiction of any state regulatory agencies, and its condition assessment is not available. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not provided, the dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Overall, David Cleveland Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, designed and constructed by the USDA NRCS. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam provides essential protection for the community along Big Timber Creek. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's features and functions contribute to the overall water management efforts in Hemphill, Texas, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

376

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Big Timber Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

81

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.
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