Lake Fork Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Fork Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 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 | 85 ft (taller than 98.9% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 12,660 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 675.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27,690 acres |
| Drainage Area | 490 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 127,736 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04388 |
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
SABINE RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS
State Government
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Fork Dam?
Lake Fork 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 Fork Dam?
Lake Fork Dam is owned by SABINE RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Fork Dam built?
Lake Fork Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Fork Dam?
Lake Fork 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 Fork Dam?
Lake Fork 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 Fork Dam last inspected?
Lake Fork Dam was last inspected on November 5, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.