Sample Brothers Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barnhart Lake Dam Ortman Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sample Brothers Dam, located in Gonzales, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS primarily for Fish and Wildlife Pond purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1977, the dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 940 feet, providing storage of 170 acre-feet of water for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. Despite its lack of a spillway, the dam is classified as having a high risk potential, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and maintenance.
Managed by the Fort Worth District of the USACE, Sample Brothers Dam serves as a crucial resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 325 acres and a normal storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. Although its condition has not been rated, the dam's importance for wildlife conservation and recreational activities underscores the significance of ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With no state regulation or enforcement in place, the responsibility falls on the private owner to uphold the proper upkeep and management of this vital water resource.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and purpose of Sample Brothers Dam on TR-Birds Creek present an intriguing case study in dam construction and management. From its buttress core type to the absence of a spillway, this earth dam poses challenges and opportunities for sustainable water use and wildlife habitat preservation. With a focus on risk assessment and hazard potential, it is essential to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of this valuable water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
940 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIRDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
325 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sandies Ck Nr Westhoff
|
0cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Cuero
|
280cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Hwy 183 Nr Hochheim
|
216cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Cr 143 Nr Gonzales
|
125cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Gonzales
|
214cfs |
Peach Ck Bl Dilworth
|
0cfs |
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.
Sample Brothers Dam