Lake Brownwood Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Brownwood Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1933 and is 93 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 | 120 ft (taller than 99.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,580 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 131.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,544 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 450,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1933 (93 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02789 |
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
BROWN COUNTY WID 1
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Brownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 8 Dam
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High Hazard 52 ftMunicipal Reservoir Upper Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftBrownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 17 Dam
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High Hazard 57 ftBrownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 10a Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftBrownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 11 Dam
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High Hazard 29 ftBrownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 16a Dam
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High Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Brownwood Dam?
Lake Brownwood 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 Brownwood Dam?
Lake Brownwood Dam is owned by BROWN COUNTY WID 1 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Brownwood Dam built?
Lake Brownwood Dam was completed in 1933, making it 93 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 Brownwood Dam?
Lake Brownwood 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 Brownwood Dam?
Lake Brownwood Dam has a dam height of 120 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 Brownwood Dam last inspected?
Lake Brownwood Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.