Sorrells Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Sorrells Reservoir Dam, located in Morris County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed for the primary purpose of water resource management.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 100 feet and has a length of 2300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 16,700 acre-feet. The reservoir, fed by TR-PEACOCK CREEK, covers a surface area of 118 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 590 acre-feet.

Despite its age, the dam has faced challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was reported as poor in 2015. The hazard potential is not available, but the risk assessment is classified as moderate. The dam's spillway, with a width of 14 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gate is also uncontrolled. The last inspection was conducted in August 2014, with a frequency of every two years. With the dam being state-regulated and jurisdictional in Texas, the TCEQ oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure public safety and environmental protection. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sorrells Reservoir Dam presents an intriguing case study of a vital infrastructure in need of ongoing maintenance and risk management to safeguard its surrounding ecosystem and communities.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

TR-PEACOCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

118

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

16700

Structural Height

100

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

100
       
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.