West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Dam, located in Kaufman, Texas, was completed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial water resource structure on the TR-COAL IRON CREEK.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet, with a length of 534 feet, providing a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. Despite its modest dimensions, the dam plays a significant role in water management in the region.

With no spillway and a hazard potential of "Not Available," West Dam is classified as having a high risk (2) and is currently not rated for its condition. Although not under state jurisdiction, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection, ensuring its operational safety. The absence of a designated emergency action plan raises concerns regarding preparedness for any potential incidents, highlighting the need for proactive risk management measures for this essential water infrastructure.

West Dam's association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its role in regulating water flow on TR-COAL IRON CREEK demonstrate its importance in the local ecosystem. Despite its risk assessment, the dam's presence underscores the delicate balance between water resource management and the need for sustainable infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and advocating for the safety and upkeep of structures like West Dam is essential for ensuring the resilience of our water systems in the future.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

534

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-COAL IRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.