Garden Valley Dam No 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jackson Lake Dam Butler Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Garden Valley Dam No 3, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 12 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet of water from Millbreak Creek. Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate for water release.
Despite its relatively small size, Garden Valley Dam No 3 poses a high risk due to its condition being not rated and its last inspection dating back to May 1979. The dam has not been modified or updated since its construction, and there is no available emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared for potential risks. With a hazard potential that is not available, the dam's risk assessment remains at a high level.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Garden Valley Dam No 3 serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for dams of all sizes. With the potential risks associated with aging infrastructure, it is crucial for dam owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize the safety and security of these structures to prevent potential disasters and ensure the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
MILLBREAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
91cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
12cfs |
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.
Garden Valley Dam No 3