West Laka Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969.
Wind
Humidity
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 412 feet, with a primary purpose of serving as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Although West Laka Dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate. The dam is not regulated by the state and is classified as a high-risk structure due to its hazard potential. Despite being in operation for decades, the dam's condition has not been officially rated, and there is no documented emergency action plan in place. Despite these challenges, the presence of West Laka Dam highlights the importance of small-scale water infrastructure for local communities and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
412 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OLD SABINE RIVER CHANNEL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
32cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
89cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
13cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
47cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Gladewater
|
226cfs |
Rabbit Ck At Kilgore
|
15cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Hawkins County RV Park
|
||
Fish Hawke Point
|
||
Tyler State Park
|
||
Lake Holbrook Park - South
|
||
Lake Holbrook Park - West
|