Bradford Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Long Glade Lake Lutes Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Bradford Dam, located in Rusk, Texas, was completed in 1990 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond operations.
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Summary
This private dam, primarily used for water resource management, is classified as an earth dam with a height of 11.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 10.1 feet. Its storage capacity is 12 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 7 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.6 acres.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Bradford Dam undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 5 years, with the last one conducted in March 2011. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 35 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 163 cubic feet per second. This structure, owned privately and situated in Fort Worth District, poses a moderate risk level according to the data available, although specific risk management measures and detailed assessment summaries are not provided.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bradford Dam an intriguing case study due to its unique combination of purposes, modest scale, and location in a relatively small drainage area. The dam's role in providing essential services such as fire protection and stock maintenance highlights the importance of smaller water management structures in supporting local ecosystems and human activities. The risk assessment data, while limited, suggests a need for ongoing monitoring and potential enhancements to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
11.5 |
River Or Stream |
OFF CH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.03 |
Nid Storage |
12 |
Structural Height |
11.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Bl Longview
|
251cfs |
Sabine Rv Abv Longview
|
210cfs |
Rabbit Ck At Kilgore
|
15cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Beckville
|
291cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Gladewater
|
226cfs |
Little Cypress Ck Nr Ore City
|
53cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bee Tree Camping Loop
|
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Broken Bowl Camping Area
|
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Martin Creek Lake State Park
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Shelter Camping Area
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Bradford Dam
Martin Lk Nr Tatum