Schenck Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Schenck Lake Dam, located in Waller County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1980.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this Earth dam, standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 390 feet, is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a drainage area of 170 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreational activities in the area.

Despite being state-regulated and inspected, Schenck Lake Dam lacks a spillway and has a Hazard Potential rating of "Not Available". However, its Risk Assessment indicates a high level of risk (2) without further details on risk management measures. The dam's condition is not rated, and emergency preparedness information such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps are not available at this time.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Schenck Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned Earth dam with a unique focus on enhancing fish and wildlife habitats. The dam's location along TR-Buckners Branch, its structural design, and the absence of certain safety features raise questions about its long-term resilience and management practices. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, Schenck Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing environmental conservation with infrastructure safety and emergency preparedness.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BUCKNERS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

170

Nid Storage

61

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.