Lake Kirby Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Kirby Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 50 ft (taller than 93.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 4,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 15.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 780 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 47,661 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02703 |
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 ABILENE
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Kirby Dam?
Lake Kirby 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 Kirby Dam?
Lake Kirby Dam is owned by CITY OF ABILENE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Kirby Dam built?
Lake Kirby Dam was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Kirby Dam?
Lake Kirby Dam serves the following purposes: 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 Kirby Dam?
Lake Kirby Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Kirby Dam last inspected?
Lake Kirby Dam was last inspected on September 24, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.