Franklin County Dam
Franklin County Dam is an earth dam located in Franklin County, Texas, built in 1971. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Franklin County Dam
The primary purpose of Franklin County Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Franklin County Water District (local government). It impounds the Big Cypress Creek near Mount Vernon.
The dam stands 73 feet tall and stretches 5,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4,750 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 164,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 75 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/17/2023.
At 73 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Texas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Mount Vernon |
| River/Stream | Big Cypress Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.05663, -95.13998 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 73 ft |
| Dam Height | 73 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 164,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 164,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 67,690 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,750 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 69,257 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | FRANKLIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/17/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX03288 |
| Federal ID | TX03288 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |