Fern Lake Dam

PICNITT CREEK· Harrison, Texas· Built 1902· Earth· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Fern Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 38.8% in TX)
Dam Length430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage277 acre-ft
Surface Area50 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
NID IDTX03570

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 24, 1989
State Regulated: No

Ownership

LAKE FERN HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fern Lake Dam?

Fern Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Fern Lake Dam?

Fern Lake Dam is owned by LAKE FERN HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fern Lake Dam built?

Fern Lake Dam was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 Fern Lake Dam?

Fern 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 Fern Lake Dam?

Fern Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Fern Lake Dam last inspected?

Fern Lake Dam was last inspected on May 24, 1989. 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.