Balmorhea Dam
Key Takeaway
Balmorhea Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 Length | 3,850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 685 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,121 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02313 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
REEVES COUNTY WID 1
Local Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Balmorhea Dam?
Balmorhea 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 Balmorhea Dam?
Balmorhea Dam is owned by REEVES COUNTY WID 1 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Balmorhea Dam built?
Balmorhea Dam was completed in 1917, making it 109 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Balmorhea Dam?
Balmorhea Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Balmorhea Dam?
Balmorhea 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 Balmorhea Dam last inspected?
Balmorhea Dam was last inspected on April 5, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.