Lake Gilmer Dam
Lake Gilmer Dam is an earth dam located in Upshur County, Texas, built in 1996. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lake Gilmer Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Gilmer 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 Gilmer (local government). It impounds the Kelsey Creek.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 2,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 895 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 26,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 35 square miles. Completed in 1996, the structure is 30 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 04/21/2021.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% 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 | Upshur |
| River/Stream | Kelsey Creek |
| Coordinates | 32.76429, -94.98069 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1996 (30 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 26,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 26,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,720 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 895 acres |
| Drainage Area | 35 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 52,981 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF GILMER |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/21/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX06485 |
| Federal ID | TX06485 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |