Lowe Lake No1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Lowe Lake No1 Dam, located in McMullen County, Texas, stands as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation, serving as a fish and wildlife pond since its completion in 1978 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 575 feet, provides a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet for fire protection, stock, and recreation purposes. Situated along the TR-Richardson Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the local water resources for the benefit of the surrounding ecosystem.

Despite not being regulated by the state, Lowe Lake No1 Dam has been designed to withstand high-risk scenarios, as indicated by its Hazard Potential rating and Risk Assessment status. The dam's buttress earth type construction and lack of a spillway point to a unique engineering approach tailored to the specific environmental conditions of the area. The dam's condition, assessed as "Not Rated," and the absence of regular inspections highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Lowe Lake No1 Dam as a prime example of sustainable water management practices in Texas. Its role in supporting biodiversity, recreational activities, and emergency preparedness underscores the significance of investing in infrastructure that not only meets current needs but also addresses future challenges posed by a changing climate. The dam's association with the USDA NRCS and its location within the Fort Worth District reflect a collaborative effort to safeguard water resources and promote ecological resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

575

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-RICHARDSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

212

Nid Storage

65

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.