Tielsch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tielsch Lake Dam, located in Columbus, Texas, was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 18 feet high with a length of 508 feet, providing a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Situated on TR-WILLIAMS CREEK, the dam is designed with a buttress core type and no spillway, making it a unique structure for water resource enthusiasts.

Owned privately, Tielsch Lake Dam is not regulated by the state but undergoes regular inspections and permitting. Although its hazard potential is not available, the dam poses a high risk, indicating the need for proper risk management measures. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam's safety and maintenance remain a concern for climate enthusiasts interested in water resource management and infrastructure resilience.

For enthusiasts interested in water resource protection, the Tielsch Lake Dam offers a compelling case study in balancing the benefits of a multi-purpose dam with the associated risks. The dam's location in Fayette County, Texas, underlines the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the community and the environment. As a privately owned structure with no federal agency involvement, the responsibility for the dam's upkeep falls on the owner, highlighting the need for collaboration between stakeholders to safeguard water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

508

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-WILLIAMS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.