Moss Creek Lake Dam
Moss Creek Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Howard County, Texas, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Moss Creek Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Moss Creek Lake 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 Colorado River Municipal Water District (local government). It impounds the Moss Creek Tributary Of Beals Creek near Robert Lee.
The dam stands 67 feet tall and stretches 2,450 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 146 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 26 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 03/11/2024.
At 67 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Howard |
| Nearest City | Robert Lee |
| River/Stream | Moss Creek Tributary Of Beals Creek |
| Coordinates | 32.24359, -101.31135 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 67 ft |
| Dam Height | 67 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,450 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,027 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 146 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,601 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | COLORADO RIVER MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX03798 |
| Federal ID | TX03798 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |