Lake Downs Dam

TR-BIG SANDY CREEK· Polk, Texas· Built 1963· Earth· 26 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Downs Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 55.2% in TX)
Dam Length367 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage65 acre-ft
Normal Storage54 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDTX00038

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 12, 2017
State Regulated: No

Ownership

INDIAN SPRINGS LAKE ESTATES INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Downs Dam?

Lake Downs Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Downs Dam?

Lake Downs Dam is owned by INDIAN SPRINGS LAKE ESTATES INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Downs Dam built?

Lake Downs Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Lake Downs Dam?

Lake Downs 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 Lake Downs Dam?

Lake Downs 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 Lake Downs Dam last inspected?

Lake Downs Dam was last inspected on September 12, 2017. 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.