Lake Diversion Dam

WICHITA RIVER· Archer, Texas· Built 1924· Earth· 59 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Irrigation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Diversion Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 59 ft (taller than 96.7% in TX)
Dam Length4,182 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage144.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage33.4K acre-ft
Surface Area3,133 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge445,467 cfs
Year Completed1924 (102 years old)
NID IDTX01011

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 5, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF WICHITA FALLS;WICHITA COUNTY WID 2

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Diversion Dam?

Lake Diversion 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 Diversion Dam?

Lake Diversion Dam is owned by CITY OF WICHITA FALLS;WICHITA COUNTY WID 2 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Diversion Dam built?

Lake Diversion Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Diversion Dam?

Lake Diversion Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Diversion Dam?

Lake Diversion Dam has a dam height of 59 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 Diversion Dam last inspected?

Lake Diversion Dam was last inspected on May 5, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.