Nix Lake Dam

WASSON BRANCH· Rusk, Texas· Built 1940· Earth· 23 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Nix Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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	23 ft (taller than 44.9% in TX)
Dam Length	525 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage	708 acre-ft

Surface Area	135 acres
Drainage Area	4 sq mi
Max Discharge	2 cfs
Year Completed	1940 (86 years old)
NID ID	TX03546

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: June 7, 2018

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

GLEN HUGHES

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nix Lake Dam?

Nix 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 Nix Lake Dam?

Nix Lake Dam is owned by GLEN HUGHES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nix Lake Dam built?

Nix Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Nix Lake Dam?

Nix 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 Nix Lake Dam?

Nix Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Nix Lake Dam last inspected?

Nix Lake Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2018. 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.