White Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
White Dam, located in Zavala, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1971 for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 900 feet across the Picosa Creek, with a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet and a surface area of 52 acres. Despite its modest size, White Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, especially for fire protection and agricultural needs.
The dam, managed by a private entity, is not regulated by the state and lacks certain safety features such as a spillway. However, it is inspected regularly and its condition is currently not rated. With a high risk assessment due to its hazard potential and lack of certain emergency preparedness measures, there is a need for improved risk management strategies for this important water resource structure. Nonetheless, White Dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, contributing to the local water supply and ecosystem health in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, White Dam offers a fascinating case study of a small but vital infrastructure project in Texas. Its construction, purpose, and management highlight the intersection of water management, agriculture, and emergency preparedness in the region. As discussions around water security and climate resilience intensify, understanding the role and challenges faced by structures like White Dam is essential for developing sustainable water resource management strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
PICOSA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Drainage Area |
3.5 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
White Dam