Lake Brazos Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Brazos Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 33 ft (taller than 74.3% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 905 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29,550 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 144,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04101 |
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 WACO
Local Government
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High Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Brazos Dam?
Lake Brazos 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 Brazos Dam?
Lake Brazos Dam is owned by CITY OF WACO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Brazos Dam built?
Lake Brazos Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Brazos Dam?
Lake Brazos Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Brazos Dam?
Lake Brazos Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Brazos Dam last inspected?
Lake Brazos Dam was last inspected on October 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.