Bardwell Dam
Key Takeaway
Bardwell Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 82 ft (taller than 98.8% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 15,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 317.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 54.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,570 acres |
| Drainage Area | 178 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 102,944 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00001 |
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
USACE - Fort Worth District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bardwell Dam?
Bardwell 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 Bardwell Dam?
Bardwell Dam is owned by USACE - Fort Worth District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bardwell Dam built?
Bardwell Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Bardwell Dam?
Bardwell Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bardwell Dam?
Bardwell Dam has a dam height of 82 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 Bardwell Dam last inspected?
Bardwell Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.