Dale Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dale Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, was completed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 316 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, Dale Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state inspection and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance.

The dam, situated on Harris Creek, is primarily owned and managed by a private entity, with no federal agency involvement in its operations or funding. While the hazard potential is not currently available, the risk assessment categorizes Dale Dam as high risk (2), prompting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. With Louie Gohmert as the congressional representative for the area, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Smith County and contributes to the local ecosystem's health and resilience.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Dale Dam's unique design and purpose, providing essential services for the community while also highlighting the importance of effective dam management and safety regulations. Despite its small scale, the dam plays a significant role in local water distribution and management, showcasing the intersection of human intervention and natural resource conservation. With its earth construction and buttress core type, Dale Dam stands as a testament to responsible water infrastructure development in the heart of Texas.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

316

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-HARRIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.