Choke Canyon
Key Takeaway
Choke Canyon is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 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 | 116 ft (taller than 99.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 18,504 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 714.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25,733 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,530 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 501,168 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04425 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Choke Canyon?
Choke Canyon 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 Choke Canyon?
Choke Canyon is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Choke Canyon built?
Choke Canyon was completed in 1982, making it 44 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 Choke Canyon?
Choke Canyon serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Choke Canyon?
Choke Canyon has a dam height of 116 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 Choke Canyon last inspected?
Choke Canyon was last inspected on August 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.