Natural Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Natural Dam in Texas is a local government-owned earth dam designed by FREESE AND NICHOLS to primarily reduce flood risk along the Sulphur Springs Draw of Beals Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1957, this 47-foot tall structure spans 1750 feet and has a storage capacity of 207,265 acre-feet. The dam also serves secondary purposes such as fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.

Located in Howard County, Big Spring, Texas, Natural Dam has a spillway width of 500 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 101,600 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory as of April 2021, with a moderate risk rating. While it has undergone modifications in 1986 and 1989, the last inspection was conducted in October 2012, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. Despite not having a hazard potential assessment available, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the engineering and environmental aspects of dams would find Natural Dam a compelling subject. With its strategic location, design features, and operational history, this flood risk reduction structure offers valuable insights into how infrastructure can manage water resources while balancing multiple purposes and regulatory obligations.

Years Modified

1986 - Other, 1989 - Other

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1750

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

SULPHUR SPRINGS DRAW OF BEALS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3710

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

485

Nid Storage

207265

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.