Lake Palo Pinto Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Palo Pinto Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 96 ft (taller than 99.2% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,255 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 186.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 44.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,661 acres |
| Drainage Area | 471 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 362,299 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | TX03845 |
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 MINERAL WELLS;PALO PINTO COUNTY MWD 1
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Waddell Ranch Dam No 3
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Low Hazard 29 ftJohnson Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 32 ftEarl Waddell Dam
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Low Hazard 27 ftPanama Creek Reservoir Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftLake Mcintyre
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Significant Hazard 35 ftHenslee Lake No 3 Dam
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Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Palo Pinto Dam?
Lake Palo Pinto 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 Palo Pinto Dam?
Lake Palo Pinto Dam is owned by CITY OF MINERAL WELLS;PALO PINTO COUNTY MWD 1 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Palo Pinto Dam built?
Lake Palo Pinto Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Palo Pinto Dam?
Lake Palo Pinto Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Palo Pinto Dam?
Lake Palo Pinto Dam has a dam height of 96 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 Palo Pinto Dam last inspected?
Lake Palo Pinto Dam was last inspected on May 30, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.