Timber Lake Dam

BORN BRANCH· Smith, Texas· Built 1947· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Timber Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 70.6% in TX)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage856 acre-ft
Normal Storage630 acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge5,553 cfs
Year Completed1947 (79 years old)
NID IDTX00279

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: Yes
Last Inspection: February 26, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

BG BYARS ESTATE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Timber Lake Dam?

Timber Lake 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 Timber Lake Dam?

Timber Lake Dam is owned by BG BYARS ESTATE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Timber Lake Dam built?

Timber Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Timber Lake Dam?

Timber Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Timber Lake Dam?

Timber 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 Timber Lake Dam last inspected?

Timber Lake Dam was last inspected on February 26, 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.