Big Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Creek Dam, located in Delta County, Texas, is a vital water supply infrastructure owned and managed by the local government.


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Summary

Completed in 1987, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 38 feet, with a length of 4350 feet, and a storage capacity of 13,296 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the region, with a normal storage capacity of 4,625 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 34,863 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Big Creek Dam has undergone structural modifications in 1995 and 2001 to ensure its stability and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 807 feet and is equipped with two uncontrolled and three valve outlet gates. Despite being assessed as in fair condition in 2014, the dam's hazard potential and risk assessment are considered moderate (3), indicating potential risks that are actively managed through routine inspections and emergency preparedness measures.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will be intrigued by the engineering feat and operational significance of Big Creek Dam in sustaining water supply in the region. With its strategic location on Big Creek and critical role in water management, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure resilience and risk management in safeguarding water resources against environmental challenges.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural, 2001 - Structural

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

4350

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

512.8

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

11.92

Nid Storage

13296

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.