Countess Ranch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Potts Dam Turkey Tank Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Countess Ranch Dam, located in Cross, Texas, along the TR-SAN MIGUEL CREEK, was completed in 1961 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with additional purposes including Fire Protection, Stock, Small Fish Pond, and Recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and spans 700 feet in length, making it a vital resource for the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Fort Worth District of the USACE, Countess Ranch Dam has a high risk assessment rating due to its condition being "Not Rated" and its hazard potential status being "Not Available." Despite lacking certain safety features such as a spillway, the dam is equipped with a single outlet gate. Although not regulated by the state, the dam undergoes regular inspections and meets state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its continued functionality for fish and wildlife conservation in the area.
With its picturesque location in McMullen County, Texas, Countess Ranch Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management for fish and wildlife preservation. As a hub for outdoor recreation and habitat conservation, this Earth dam serves as a valuable asset for the local community while also posing some challenges in terms of risk management and safety measures. Its historical significance and ecological importance make it a notable landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAN MIGUEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
1.62 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
0cfs |
Atascosa Rv At Whitsett
|
0cfs |
Atascosa Rv Nr Mccoy
|
1cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Choke Canyon Res Owc Nr Three Rivers
|
33cfs |
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.
Countess Ranch Dam