Christie And Tipps Ranch Dam 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christie and Tipps Ranch Dam 3, located in Roberts County, Texas, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 26 feet with a length of 345 feet.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a drainage area of 960 acres, the dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region, particularly for agricultural and wildlife needs.

Despite being privately owned, Christie and Tipps Ranch Dam 3 is regulated by the state of Texas with permitting and inspection requirements in place. The dam has a high risk assessment rating due to its potential hazard, though its current condition is not rated. It lacks a spillway and has no outlet gates, posing potential challenges in managing water levels during extreme weather events. Overall, the dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the complexities of managing small-scale water infrastructure in rural settings.

As part of the Tulsa District in the USACE, Christie and Tipps Ranch Dam 3 highlights the importance of collaboration between private and public entities in ensuring the safety and efficacy of water infrastructure projects. With Mac Thornberry (R) serving as the congressional representative for the area, there is potential for further support and funding to enhance the dam's resilience and capacity in the face of evolving climate challenges. This dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of water resources, climate change, and community resilience in rural landscapes.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

960

Nid Storage

51

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.