Catfish Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Catfish Dam, located in Gillespie, Texas, is a privately owned Earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


Summary

Built on Palo Alto Creek, this dam stands at a height of 22.2 feet with a length of 225 feet, providing a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 75 feet, and it features two uncontrolled outlet gates.

Although the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, its risk assessment is rated as moderate. The last inspection of Catfish Dam was conducted in November 2010, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every two years. With a capacity to store 31 acre-feet of water and a surface area of 3.6 acres, the dam contributes to the local drainage area of 0.8 square miles and serves as a recreational oasis for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Catfish Dam, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Gillespie, Texas, offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking outdoor adventure. Although further details on the dam's construction date and designer are unavailable, its presence on Palo Alto Creek adds to the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities in the region. With a moderate risk assessment and a capacity to store water, Catfish Dam remains a noteworthy feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.



°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


15-Day Weather Outlook


Dam Length

225

Dam Height

22.2

River Or Stream

PALO ALTO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Hydraulic Height

22.2

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

59

Structural Height

22.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.