Emerald Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Emerald Lake Dam, located in Dallas, Texas, is a local government-owned structure with a height of 23.1 feet and a length of 500 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1997, this buttress dam serves a variety of purposes including flood control and water storage, with a capacity of 160 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Mountain Creek, this dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 106 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. While the hazard potential of Emerald Lake Dam is not available, its overall condition is assessed as not rated. The risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a moderate risk level, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3. Despite not being a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) structure, Emerald Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks in the region.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Emerald Lake Dam to be a fascinating example of dam infrastructure in Texas. With its unique design and purpose, this dam showcases the importance of effective water management and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources. The data provided offers valuable insights into the specifications, history, and risk assessment of Emerald Lake Dam, making it a noteworthy site for further study and appreciation in the realm of water resource management.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

23.1

River Or Stream

TRIBUTATY OF MOUNTAIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Hydraulic Height

23.1

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

23.1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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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.