Ross Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ross Lake Dam, located in Burnet, Texas, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This private dam, completed in 1988, stands at a height of 59 feet and has a storage capacity of 680 acre-feet. Situated on Sycamore Creek, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The earth dam, with buttress and stone core types, spans a length of 1100 feet and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 250 feet. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are currently not available. With a primary focus on fire protection and water storage, Ross Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, particularly in times of need for firefighting or agricultural purposes.

Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain undisclosed. With its strategic location and importance for water management in Burnet, Texas, Ross Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community and surrounding environment, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

SYCAMORE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

59

Drainage Area

2.62

Nid Storage

680

Structural Height

59

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

59
       
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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.