Lake Wichita Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Wichita Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 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 | 31 ft (taller than 70.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 10,170 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 57.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,310 acres |
| Drainage Area | 143 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 76,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| NID ID | TX01017 |
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
Local Government
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Wichita Dam?
Lake Wichita 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 Wichita Dam?
Lake Wichita Dam is owned by CITY OF WICHITA FALLS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Wichita Dam built?
Lake Wichita Dam was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Wichita Dam?
Lake Wichita Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Wichita Dam?
Lake Wichita Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Wichita Dam last inspected?
Lake Wichita Dam was last inspected on May 4, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.