Lavon Dam
Key Takeaway
Lavon Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 | 81 ft (taller than 98.7% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 19,493 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 456.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21,400 acres |
| Drainage Area | 770 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 357,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00007 |
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
USACE - Fort Worth District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Upper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 2 Dam
Collin, TX
High Hazard 36 ftUpper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 3a Dam
Collin, TX
Low Hazard 31 ftLavon Bluff Dam
Collin, TX
High Hazard 18 ftUpper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 3b Dam
Collin, TX
High Hazard 34 ftBoyd Lake Dam
Collin, TX
Low Hazard 26 ftBell Lake Dam
Collin, TX
Low Hazard 25 ftUpper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 3e Dam
Rockwall, TX
High Hazard 28 ftUpper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 3c Dam
Rockwall, TX
High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lavon Dam?
Lavon 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 Lavon Dam?
Lavon Dam is owned by USACE - Fort Worth District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lavon Dam built?
Lavon Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Lavon Dam?
Lavon Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lavon Dam?
Lavon Dam has a dam height of 81 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 Lavon Dam last inspected?
Lavon Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.