Whittenburg Lake No 1 Dam - South Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

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Whittenburg Lake No 1 Dam - South, located in Potter County, Texas, stands as a testament to effective water resource management in the region.


Summary

Completed in 2000, this earth dam on the West Amarillo Creek serves multiple purposes, with a primary focus on regulating water flow and storage. With a structural height of 37 feet and a hydraulic height of 32 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the local drainage area of 66 square miles.

Despite its importance, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and upkeep. The outlet gates, consisting of three uncontrolled and one valve, provide essential functionality, but the structure's hazard potential is not available. With a moderate risk assessment rating, it is clear that proactive risk management measures must be implemented to ensure the dam's continued safety and effectiveness in the face of potential climate challenges.

Managed by a private entity, Whittenburg Lake No 1 Dam - South remains under state jurisdiction, regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). With a storage capacity of 1059 acre-feet and a surface area of 28.92 acres, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and demand, the importance of structures like Whittenburg Lake No 1 Dam - South in ensuring water security for the community cannot be overstated.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

591

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

WEST AMARILLO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.92

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

66

Nid Storage

1059

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.