Lake Kemp Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Kemp Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 | 115 ft (taller than 99.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 8,890 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 298.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16,540 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,086 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04358 |
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 WICHITA FALLS;WICHITA COUNTY WID 2
Local Government
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Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Kemp Dam?
Lake Kemp 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 Kemp Dam?
Lake Kemp 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 Kemp Dam built?
Lake Kemp Dam was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Kemp Dam?
Lake Kemp Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Tailings, Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Kemp Dam?
Lake Kemp Dam has a dam height of 115 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 Kemp Dam last inspected?
Lake Kemp Dam was last inspected on March 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.