Tyler State Park Lake Dam

TR-HITTS CREEK· Smith, Texas· Built 1936· Earth· 50 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Tyler State Park Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 93.5% in TX)
Dam Length920 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area69 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge7,360 cfs
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
NID IDTX00266

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

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tyler State Park Lake Dam?

Tyler State Park 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 Tyler State Park Lake Dam?

Tyler State Park Lake Dam is owned by TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tyler State Park Lake Dam built?

Tyler State Park Lake Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Tyler State Park Lake Dam?

Tyler State Park 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 Tyler State Park Lake Dam?

Tyler State Park Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Tyler State Park Lake Dam last inspected?

Tyler State Park 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.