Carter Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carter Ranch Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a private dam that was completed in 2004 by designers VELVIN & WEEKS.


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Summary

The dam, situated on Gilley Creek, stands at a height of 21.5 feet with a length of 800 feet, providing a storage capacity of 488 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 112 acre-feet and a surface area of 31 acres, the dam serves various purposes including irrigation and flood control.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 101 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, the hazard potential of the dam is listed as not available. The risk assessment for Carter Ranch Dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date and no specific risk management measures currently in place. While the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agencies, it is regularly inspected by the state of Texas, with both permitting and inspection processes in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Carter Ranch Dam to be a fascinating structure, given its unique design and purpose in managing water resources in the region. The dam stands as a testament to the importance of proper infrastructure for water management, particularly in areas prone to flooding or in need of irrigation. As a private facility, the dam serves as a critical component of the local water supply system, highlighting the role of private entities in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of water resources in Texas.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

GILLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

21.5

Drainage Area

3.46

Nid Storage

488

Structural Height

21.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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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.