R Locke Dam 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

R Locke Dam 4, located in Donley, Texas, was completed in 1961 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 29 feet and a length of 361 feet, was designed by USDA NRCS and is owned privately. The dam has a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet and serves the Chick Creek watershed with a drainage area of 2420 acres.

Despite its relatively small size, R Locke Dam 4 poses a high risk with a hazard potential of 'Not Available'. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no emergency action plan (EAP) in place. With no spillway and limited outlet gates, the dam's risk management measures are unclear. Given its location and purpose, enthusiasts of water resource and climate may find R Locke Dam 4 an interesting case study for understanding the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with small dams in Texas.

As a privately owned structure with limited regulatory oversight, the future maintenance and management of R Locke Dam 4 remain uncertain. Its location in a high-risk zone underscores the importance of proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness for such dams, especially in the face of changing climate conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, R Locke Dam 4 serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges and responsibilities associated with managing small dams in rural areas.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

361

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-CHICKEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2420

Nid Storage

188

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.