Paradise Valley Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paradise Valley Ranch Lake Dam, located in Van Zandt County, Texas, was completed in 2003 and stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This private dam, owned and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam is an earth structure with a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway that is 78 feet wide.

With a storage capacity of 769 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 41 acres, Paradise Valley Ranch Lake Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. The dam spans 1490 feet across Cow Creek and has a drainage area of 1.31 square miles. Despite being assessed as in fair condition as of June 2014, the dam holds a moderate risk rating of 3 and undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and structural integrity.

As a significant feature in the Fort Worth District, Paradise Valley Ranch Lake Dam provides both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management functions for the local community. Its presence on Cow Creek contributes to the overall ecosystem health and serves as a testament to the careful balance between human development and environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

1490

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

COW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.31

Nid Storage

769

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.