Big Woods Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Woods Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 2004 and is 22 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 31 ft (taller than 70.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 650 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 354 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 34 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,531 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2004 (22 years old) |
| NID ID | TX07136 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
SHELTON FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LTD
Private
Nearby Dams
Greenes Lake Dam
Rains, TX
Low Hazard 21 ftBarlow Lake Dam
Van Zandt, TX
Low Hazard 26 ftCity of Grand Saline Dam
Van Zandt, TX
Low Hazard 29 ftCalvin Powell Dam
Van Zandt, TX
High Hazard 14 ftAlba Lakeshores Dam
Wood, TX
Low Hazard 10 ftCrawford Lake Dam
Van Zandt, TX
High Hazard 16 ftCarrington Lake Dam
Van Zandt, TX
Significant Hazard 23 ftLake Louise Dam
Wood, TX
Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Woods Lake Dam?
Big Woods Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Big Woods Lake Dam?
Big Woods Lake Dam is owned by SHELTON FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LTD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Woods Lake Dam built?
Big Woods Lake Dam was completed in 2004, making it 22 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Big Woods Lake Dam?
Big Woods Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Woods Lake Dam?
Big Woods Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Big Woods Lake Dam last inspected?
Big Woods Lake Dam was last inspected on July 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.