Chisum Lake Dam

TR-SOUTH PALO DURO CREEK· Hutchinson, Texas· Built 1965· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Chisum Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 41.9% in TX)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage120 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge5,120 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDTX03703

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 23, 2009
State Regulated: No

Ownership

CHISUM RANCHES LTD

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chisum Lake Dam?

Chisum Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Chisum Lake Dam?

Chisum Lake Dam is owned by CHISUM RANCHES LTD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chisum Lake Dam built?

Chisum Lake 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 Chisum Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Chisum Lake Dam?

Chisum Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Chisum Lake Dam last inspected?

Chisum Lake Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2009. 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.