Powell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Poco Club Lake Dam Metzger Dam No 3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Powell Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt, Texas, is a privately owned structure completed in 1959 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam is of earth type with a buttress core, standing at a height of 18 feet and a length of 550 feet. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, the dam serves a drainage area of 0.6 square miles, providing essential water resources for the surrounding community.
Maintained and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Powell Lake Dam has a fair condition assessment as of October 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 503 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam's hazard potential is not currently available. The last inspection in June 2017 and subsequent inspections every five years ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for both water resource management and recreational purposes in the area.
A significant feature of the Fort Worth District, Powell Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management along the TR-Little Saline Creek. With a surface area of 14 acres and a maximum discharge of 2 cubic feet per second, the dam contributes to the environmental sustainability and water supply security in the region. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Powell Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in balancing water needs and ecological preservation in Texas.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SALINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
70cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
15cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
243cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
88cfs |
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.
Powell Lake Dam