Lake Tristan Dam

TR-MAGNUS BRANCH· Tyler, Texas· Built 1958· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Tristan Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 19 ft (taller than 30.6% in TX)
Dam Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage670 acre-ft
Normal Storage185 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge3,726 cfs
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDTX03756

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: June 15, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF IVANHOE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Tristan Dam?

Lake Tristan 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 Tristan Dam?

Lake Tristan Dam is owned by CITY OF IVANHOE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Tristan Dam built?

Lake Tristan Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Tristan Dam?

Lake Tristan Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Tristan Dam?

Lake Tristan Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Tristan Dam last inspected?

Lake Tristan Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2017. 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.