Arbuckle Reservoir Dam

OFF-CHANNEL· Wharton, Texas· Built 2018· 41 ft tall
High Hazard Local Government

Key Takeaway

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 2018 and is 8 years old. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 41 ft (taller than 86.3% in TX)
Dam Length27,559 ft
Max Storage43.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage40.9K acre-ft
Surface Area1,097 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,250 cfs
Year Completed2018 (8 years old)
NID IDTX07463

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Arbuckle Reservoir Dam?

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Arbuckle Reservoir Dam?

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam is owned by LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Arbuckle Reservoir Dam built?

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam was completed in 2018, making it 8 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Arbuckle Reservoir Dam?

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 41 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Arbuckle Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Arbuckle Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.