Elmendorf Lake Dam

APACHE CREEK· Bexar, Texas· Built 1967· Concrete· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Elmendorf Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 10 ft (taller than 3.8% in TX)
Dam Length2,000 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage105 acre-ft
Normal Storage105 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge75,842 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDTX01446

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: September 25, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elmendorf Lake Dam?

Elmendorf 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 Elmendorf Lake Dam?

Elmendorf Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF SAN ANTONIO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elmendorf Lake Dam built?

Elmendorf Lake Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Elmendorf Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Elmendorf Lake Dam?

Elmendorf Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Elmendorf Lake Dam last inspected?

Elmendorf Lake Dam was last inspected on September 25, 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.