Little Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ivy Levee Espantosa Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Little Dam, located in Dimmit, Texas, is a rockfill structure standing at a height of 5.8 meters and completed in 1904 for irrigation purposes on the Soldier Slough.
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Summary
With a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, this privately-owned dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its modest size, Little Dam's strategic location and design make it an essential component of the local irrigation infrastructure.
Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and subject to state regulations and inspections, Little Dam ensures efficient water distribution for agricultural activities in the area. The dam's rock and soil foundations, along with its buttress core type, contribute to its stability and functionality. Although not equipped with a spillway, the dam's single outlet gate facilitates controlled water release as needed. Additionally, the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as having a high risk potential, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued safe operation.
Little Dam may be small in size, but its impact on water resource management in Dimmit, Texas, is significant. With a history dating back over a century, this rockfill structure continues to play a vital role in irrigation practices along the Soldier Slough. As climate change poses new challenges to water availability and distribution, the preservation and upkeep of dams like Little Dam become increasingly crucial for ensuring sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
170 |
Dam Height |
5.8 |
River Or Stream |
SOLDIER SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Hydraulic Height |
5.8 |
Nid Storage |
500 |
Structural Height |
7 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nueces Rv Nr Asherton
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv At Cotulla
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Bl Uvalde
|
1cfs |
Frio Rv Nr Derby
|
0cfs |
Leona Rv Nr Uvalde
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv Bl Dry Frio Rv Nr Uvalde
|
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.
Little Dam