Benny Archer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Benny Archer Dam, located in Knox, Texas, stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1966.


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Summary

This privately-owned Earth dam, with a height of 23.5 feet, serves various purposes, including water storage from Soap Creek. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 165 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 7.3 acres.

Despite being a non-federal dam, Benny Archer Dam is subject to state regulations, with permitting and inspection requirements in place. The dam's hazard potential is considered high, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures. Although the dam does not have a spillway, it has an outlet gate that serves its operational needs. The surrounding area, with a drainage area of 0.84 square miles, benefits from the dam's water resource management capabilities, making it a crucial infrastructure in the region.

With its unique design featuring a buttress core type and unlisted/unknown foundation, Benny Archer Dam represents a blend of traditional dam construction methods. The dam's longevity and functionality underscore its importance in the local water resource infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Benny Archer Dam is vital for appreciating the role they play in sustaining ecosystems and communities in Texas.

Years Modified

2003 - Other

Year Completed

1966

Dam Height

23.5

River Or Stream

SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.3

Hydraulic Height

23.5

Drainage Area

0.84

Nid Storage

165

Structural Height

23.5

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.