Wheeler Branch Dam
Wheeler Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Somervell County, Texas, built in 2008. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wheeler Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Wheeler Branch Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Somervell County Water District (local government). It impounds the Wheeler Branch near Glen Rose.
The dam stands 91 feet tall and stretches 1,800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 169 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,248 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 2008, the structure is relatively new.
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 12/10/2019.
At 91 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Somervell |
| Nearest City | Glen Rose |
| River/Stream | Wheeler Branch |
| Coordinates | 32.25695, -97.76843 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 91 ft |
| Dam Height | 91 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,800 ft |
| Year Completed | 2008 (18 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,248 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,248 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,118 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 169 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,487 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | SOMERVELL COUNTY WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/10/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX07203 |
| Federal ID | TX07203 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |