Lake Laurel Dam

Lake Laurel Dam is an earth dam located in Hays County, Texas, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification.

About Lake Laurel Dam

The primary purpose of Lake Laurel Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Hays County (local government). It impounds the Tr-cypress Creek near Woodcreek.

The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 475 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/01/2024.

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.

High HazardNot Rated ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateTexas
CountyHays
Nearest CityWoodcreek
River/StreamTr-cypress Creek
Coordinates30.04340, -98.14815

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height16 ft
Dam Height16 ft
Dam Length475 ft
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage50 acre-ft
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage47 acre-ft
Max Discharge2 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerHAYS COUNTY
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentNot Rated
Last Inspection08/01/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDTX04658
Federal IDTX04658
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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