Lake Sulphur Springs Dam
Lake Sulphur Springs Dam is an earth dam located in Hopkins County, Texas, built in 1973. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Sulphur Springs Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Sulphur Springs 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 City Of Sulphur Springs (local government). It impounds the White Oak Creek near Sulphur Springs.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 6,232 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,913 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 49,860 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 66 square miles. Completed in 1973, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/04/2022.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
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 | Hopkins |
| Nearest City | Sulphur Springs |
| River/Stream | White Oak Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.17981, -95.61778 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,232 ft |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 49,860 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 49,860 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17,838 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,913 acres |
| Drainage Area | 66 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 49,801 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/04/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX04356 |
| Federal ID | TX04356 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |