Lake Athens Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Athens Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 57 ft (taller than 96.2% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 3,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 56.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,471 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,743 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00182 |
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
ATHENS MUNICIPAL WATER AUTHORITY
Local Government
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Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Athens Dam?
Lake Athens 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 Athens Dam?
Lake Athens Dam is owned by ATHENS MUNICIPAL WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Athens Dam built?
Lake Athens Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Athens Dam?
Lake Athens 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 Athens Dam?
Lake Athens Dam has a dam height of 57 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 Athens Dam last inspected?
Lake Athens Dam was last inspected on March 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.