Lester May Estate Gss Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lester May Estate Gss is a privately owned Earth dam located in Kaufman, Texas, along the TR-BACHELOR CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 760 feet, providing a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. While primarily serving purposes other than flood control or water supply, this structure is designed with a buttress core and has a spillway width of 0, offering no flood discharge capacity. Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, with a hazard potential assessment of "Not Available" and a risk assessment level of "High (2)".

The Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers has no involvement with this dam, as it falls under private ownership and operation. With no state regulation or enforcement in place, the responsibility for inspection and maintenance of the Lester May Estate Gss rests solely on its owner. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in 2010, there is no current information available on its readiness or compliance with guidelines. The risk management measures for this dam are also unspecified, leaving potential vulnerabilities in the face of extreme weather events and climate challenges.

Given its location in a high-risk area and the lack of recent assessment data, the Lester May Estate Gss presents a concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The absence of a rated condition assessment and the outdated EAP underscore the need for proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure. With a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet, any failure or breach of this dam could have significant implications for downstream communities and the surrounding environment. As such, continued attention and investment in risk management and emergency preparedness are crucial for safeguarding against potential disasters.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BACHELOR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

104

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.