Crystal Lake Dam

TR-STILLS CREEK· Anderson, Texas· Built 1894· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Crystal Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1894 and is 132 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 26 ft (taller than 55.2% in TX)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage377 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge2 cfs
Year Completed1894 (132 years old)
NID IDTX00139

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 2, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

PALESTINE FISHING CLUB OF PALESTINE TEXAS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake Dam is owned by PALESTINE FISHING CLUB OF PALESTINE TEXAS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crystal Lake Dam built?

Crystal Lake Dam was completed in 1894, making it 132 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal 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 Crystal Lake Dam?

Crystal Lake Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Crystal Lake Dam last inspected?

Crystal Lake Dam was last inspected on July 2, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.