Mearns Meadow Dam
Key Takeaway
Mearns Meadow Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1994 and is 32 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 | 12 ft (taller than 7.4% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 735 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 128 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,665 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1994 (32 years old) |
| NID ID | TX07216 |
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 AUSTIN
Local Government
Nearby Dams
South Metric Dam
Travis, TX
High Hazard 10 ftLincolnshire Dam No 1
Travis, TX
Low Hazard 36 ftLincolnshire Dam No 2
Travis, TX
High Hazard 34 ftNorth Mopac Dam
Travis, TX
High Hazard 7 ftPark Bend Dam
Travis, TX
High Hazard 16 ftTrotwood Dam
Travis, TX
High Hazard 25 ftParmer Dam
Travis, TX
High Hazard 21 ftDuval Dam East
Travis, TX
High Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mearns Meadow Dam?
Mearns Meadow 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 Mearns Meadow Dam?
Mearns Meadow Dam is owned by CITY OF AUSTIN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mearns Meadow Dam built?
Mearns Meadow Dam was completed in 1994, making it 32 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 Mearns Meadow Dam?
Mearns Meadow Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mearns Meadow Dam?
Mearns Meadow Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Mearns Meadow Dam last inspected?
Mearns Meadow Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.