Lich Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lich Dam, located in Kerr County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches for 346 feet along the TR-North Fork Cypress Creek. Its primary purpose, classified as "Other", serves as a water resource management structure, with a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet.
Despite being privately owned, Lich Dam is regulated by the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place. The dam has no spillway and is equipped with a single outlet gate. While its hazard potential is labeled as "Not Available", the risk assessment deems it as high, with a risk rank of 2. The condition of the dam has not been rated, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lich Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and regulation of smaller-scale earth dams. With its unique design features and location within the Galveston District, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for water storage and management in the region. As discussions around dam safety and risk management continue to evolve, Lich Dam provides a valuable example of the complexities involved in overseeing such structures, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
346 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FORK CYPRESS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
23 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lich Dam