Carolina Basin Dam

El Paso, Texas· Built 2004· Earth· 28 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carolina Basin Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 2004 and is 22 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 28 ft (taller than 61.3% in TX)
Dam Length1,769 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage140 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,801 cfs
Year Completed2004 (22 years old)
NID IDTX08016

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: June 27, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF EL PASO

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carolina Basin Dam?

Carolina Basin 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 Carolina Basin Dam?

Carolina Basin Dam is owned by CITY OF EL PASO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carolina Basin Dam built?

Carolina Basin Dam was completed in 2004, making it 22 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 Carolina Basin Dam?

Carolina Basin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Carolina Basin Dam?

Carolina Basin Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Carolina Basin Dam last inspected?

Carolina Basin Dam was last inspected on June 27, 2019. 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.