Ralston Estate Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Palo Duro Dam Buschman Dam 3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ralston Estate Dam, located in Hansford, Texas, stands as a testament to effective water resource management, primarily serving the purposes of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.
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Summary
Constructed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam reaches a height of 30 feet and spans 181 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-Palo Duro Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in enhancing the local watershed's resilience and supporting agricultural activities in the region.
Despite its critical role in water management, Ralston Estate Dam currently holds a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for proactive risk assessment and management measures to ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity. While the dam's condition remains unrated, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation mapping preparedness are yet to be determined. With no spillway in place, the dam's design warrants close attention to prevent potential overflows and ensure effective flood control measures. As stakeholders in the water and climate arena, understanding and addressing the risks associated with Ralston Estate Dam is essential for sustainable water resource management in the area.
As a private-owned structure, Ralston Estate Dam's oversight falls under the state's permitting and inspection jurisdiction, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed between government agencies, designers, and owners to uphold its functionality and safety standards. With its strategic location and historical significance, the dam serves as a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates to engage in discussions on resilience-building, risk mitigation, and sustainable water resource management practices. By leveraging the expertise of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other relevant stakeholders, Ralston Estate Dam can continue to play a vital role in safeguarding water resources and supporting the local ecosystem's health and vitality.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
181 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PALO DURO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
300 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Palo Duro Ck Nr Spearman
|
0cfs |
Beaver River At Beaver
|
0cfs |
Big Blue Ck Nr Fritch
|
0cfs |
Wolf Ck At Lipscomb
|
1cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
43cfs |
Cimarron River Near Forgan
|
19cfs |
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.
Ralston Estate Dam
Palo Duro Res Nr Spearman