Lake Velma Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Velma Dam, located in Anderson, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 2013 with a height of 44 feet and a length of 2600 feet.


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Summary

The dam, designed by Hennessey Engineering, serves as a crucial structure on Wolf Creek, providing a storage capacity of 956 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 571 acre-feet. With a surface area of 50 acres and a drainage area of 0.67 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Velma Dam has been deemed to be in fair condition during its latest assessment in April 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 206 feet and is equipped with two uncontrolled and one valve outlet gates for water release. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not been assigned a hazard potential rating and lacks detailed risk management measures. With a focus on water resource conservation and climate resilience, Lake Velma Dam stands as a significant infrastructure contributing to the sustainability of the local water supply and ecosystem.

With its strategic location and design, Lake Velma Dam serves as a crucial asset in water resource management for Anderson County, Texas. From its construction by Hennessey Engineering to its ongoing monitoring and inspection by the TCEQ, the dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding against natural disasters and ensuring water security for the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like Lake Velma Dam becomes increasingly vital in sustaining ecosystems and supporting community resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

2600

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

956

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.