Lake Abilene Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Abilene Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 64 ft (taller than 97.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 5,040 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 16.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 583 acres |
| Drainage Area | 101 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 214,401 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02692 |
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 ABILENE
Local Government
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Low Hazard 37 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Abilene Dam?
Lake Abilene 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 Lake Abilene Dam?
Lake Abilene Dam is owned by CITY OF ABILENE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Abilene Dam built?
Lake Abilene Dam was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Lake Abilene Dam?
Lake Abilene Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Abilene Dam?
Lake Abilene Dam has a dam height of 64 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 Lake Abilene Dam last inspected?
Lake Abilene Dam was last inspected on December 8, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.