Barlow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barlow Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1982 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 26 feet with a length of 1170 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1137 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 360 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Sabine River and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 137 feet, and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are not available. The last inspection took place in 1984, and the dam is not rated for its current condition. With a maximum discharge capacity of 3774 cubic feet per second, Barlow Lake Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and recreational activities in the area.

The Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees the dam, with no federal agency ownership or funding associated with its construction or operation. With its strategic location and vital role in water storage and conservation, Barlow Lake Dam stands as a significant structure in the region, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts and climate resilience initiatives.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

1170

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-SABINE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

75

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

1137

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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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.