Hurt Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hurt Lake Dam, located in Cuero, Texas, is a private earth dam constructed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

With a dam height of 13 feet and a length of 640 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet and is situated on the TR-Denton Creek, within the Fort Worth District. While not regulated by the state, this dam is permitted and inspected by the state regulatory agency, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.

Despite being classified as a high-risk dam with a hazard potential that is not currently available, Hurt Lake Dam does not have a spillway and features no outlet gates. The dam primarily caters to fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreational purposes, indicating its importance in supporting local wildlife and providing opportunities for outdoor activities. While the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service underscores a commitment to sustainable water resource management and environmental conservation in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hurt Lake Dam represents a vital infrastructure supporting the diverse ecosystem of Gonzales, Texas. As a key feature in the landscape, this earth dam serves as a valuable resource for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, while also offering recreational opportunities for the local community. With a focus on safety and compliance, the dam's maintenance and management play a crucial role in ensuring the continued sustainability and resilience of the surrounding environment, making it a noteworthy site for those passionate about water resource conservation and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR-DENTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

230

Nid Storage

111

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.