Lake Colorado City Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Colorado City Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 | 85 ft (taller than 98.9% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 4,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 93.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 31.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,610 acres |
| Drainage Area | 337 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 150,001 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | TX01693 |
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
LUMINANT POWER COMPANY LLC
Private
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Colorado City Dam?
Lake Colorado City 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 Colorado City Dam?
Lake Colorado City Dam is owned by LUMINANT POWER COMPANY LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Colorado City Dam built?
Lake Colorado City Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Colorado City Dam?
Lake Colorado City Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Colorado City Dam?
Lake Colorado City Dam has a dam height of 85 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 Colorado City Dam last inspected?
Lake Colorado City Dam was last inspected on August 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.