Bayou Loco Dam

BAYOU LOCO· Nacogdoches, Texas· Built 1977· Earth· 71 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bayou Loco Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 71 ft (taller than 98.1% in TX)
Dam Length3,675 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage122.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage39.5K acre-ft
Surface Area2,025 acres
Drainage Area89 sq mi
Max Discharge50,161 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDTX04585

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: May 9, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF NACOGDOCHES

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bayou Loco Dam?

Bayou Loco 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 Bayou Loco Dam?

Bayou Loco Dam is owned by CITY OF NACOGDOCHES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bayou Loco Dam built?

Bayou Loco Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Bayou Loco Dam?

Bayou Loco Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bayou Loco Dam?

Bayou Loco Dam has a dam height of 71 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 Bayou Loco Dam last inspected?

Bayou Loco Dam was last inspected on May 9, 2018. 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.