City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

City Lake Dam, located in Dallas, Texas, was completed in 1940 and serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 11.2 feet and has a length of 410 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The primary purpose of City Lake Dam is categorized as "Other," and it is designed to control an unnamed tributary of S. Mesquite Creek. With a fair condition assessment as of October 2017, the dam has a moderate risk rating. It features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 9 feet and outlet gates for water release. While the hazard potential is not available, the dam is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans.

Overall, City Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management for the Dallas area, providing storage, flood control, and environmental benefits. With its strategic location and design features, this dam remains a key asset for ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

11.2

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF S. MESQUITE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Hydraulic Height

11.2

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

31

Structural Height

11.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.