Horseshoe Lake South Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horseshoe Lake South Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 11 feet with a length of 320 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet and a surface area of 44 acres. The dam is situated off the Ch-Sabine River and is regulated by the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place.

Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment remain ungraded. The last inspection of the dam took place in 1976, highlighting a potential need for updated assessments and risk management measures. With an uncontrolled spillway and two outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management guidelines remain unaddressed.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the maintenance and safety of dams like Horseshoe Lake South Dam may find the lack of recent inspections and assessments concerning. As a vital infrastructure for irrigation in the area, ensuring the structural integrity and risk management of the dam is crucial for both the local community and the surrounding environment. With the potential for future updates and improvements, the dam's overall safety and functionality may be further enhanced to meet regulatory standards and mitigate hazards effectively.

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

OFF CH-SABINE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

193

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.