Stonecipher Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stonecipher Dam, located in Fayette County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1996.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves a variety of purposes, with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-EAST NAVIDAD RIVER, the dam has a high risk assessment level of 2, emphasizing the importance of proper management and monitoring.

Despite being a non-federal dam, Stonecipher Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's hazard potential is classified as "Not Available," with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." The absence of a spillway and limited discharge capacity adds complexity to its risk management, highlighting the need for proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness measures.

With its unique design featuring a buttress core type, Stonecipher Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its location in the picturesque city of Swiss Alp, Texas, adds to the charm of this structure, making it a noteworthy landmark in the region. As stakeholders continue to assess and address the dam's risk factors, it serves as a reminder of the vital role that infrastructure plays in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-EAST NAVIDAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.