Ruff Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ruff Dam, located in Grayson County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979.


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Summary

The primary purposes of the dam include fire protection, creating a stock or small fish pond, and recreational activities. With a height of 33 feet and a length of 438 feet, Ruff Dam has a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Despite not being state regulated, Ruff Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements. The dam does not have a spillway and is classified as having a high risk potential. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in the region. The risk assessment for Ruff Dam indicates a hazard potential that merits attention and potential risk management measures.

Ruff Dam's location along the TR-Rock Creek and its function in providing water for fire protection and recreational use highlight its significance in the local ecosystem. As a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of Grayson County, Texas, Ruff Dam underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

438

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR-ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

33

Nid Storage

26

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
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.