Ernst Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Semmes Pond Dam Harvey Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ernst Lake Dam, located in Smiley, Texas, was completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for fish and wildlife preservation in the area.
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Summary
This private Earth dam stands at 17 feet in height, with a length of 2640 feet and a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, recreation, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the region.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ernst Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment but is considered to have a high risk potential. While it lacks a spillway, the dam remains a key feature in managing water resources in the Sandies Creek watershed. With a primary purpose of serving as a fish and wildlife pond, the dam provides essential habitat for various species and contributes to the overall environmental health of the area.
Although not regulated by the state and lacking official inspections and enforcement measures, Ernst Lake Dam continues to be a significant asset for water resource management and conservation efforts in Gonzales County, Texas. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of such structures in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance is essential for sustainable stewardship of our natural resources.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
2640 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SANDIES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
100 |
Nid Storage |
230 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guadalupe Rv At Cr 143 Nr Gonzales
|
125cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Fm 1117 Nr Seguin
|
108cfs |
Cibolo Ck At Sutherland Springs
|
20cfs |
Sandies Ck Nr Westhoff
|
0cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Gonzales
|
214cfs |
Cibolo Ck Nr Falls City
|
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.
Ernst Lake Dam