Bivins Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bivins Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 47 ft (taller than 91.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 379 acres |
| Drainage Area | 140 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 81,520 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
| NID ID | TX03584 |
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
CITY OF AMARILLO
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bivins Lake Dam?
Bivins Lake 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 Bivins Lake Dam?
Bivins Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF AMARILLO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bivins Lake Dam built?
Bivins Lake Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Bivins Lake Dam?
Bivins Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bivins Lake Dam?
Bivins Lake Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Bivins Lake Dam last inspected?
Bivins Lake Dam was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.