Dam 49 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dam 49, also known as Larned Lake, is a federal-owned earth dam located in Bell County, Texas along the North Nolan Creek.


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Summary

Managed by the US Army, this dam stands at a height of 44 feet and has a storage capacity of 2900 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 200 feet, Dam 49 has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

Despite its critical role in water resource management, Dam 49 lacks detailed condition assessment information and emergency action preparedness. The last inspection in September 2020 highlighted the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's structural integrity and public safety. With its uncontrolled spillway and high hazard potential, the risk management measures for Dam 49 are crucial in mitigating potential flood risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities in the event of an emergency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dam 49 serves as a focal point for understanding the complexities of dam management and the importance of proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies. As a vital component of the local water infrastructure, efforts to improve the condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk management of Dam 49 are essential to safeguarding both the environment and the community it serves.

Dam Length

2084

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

North Nolan Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

2900

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.