Newcastle Dam

WHISKEY CREEK· Young, Texas· Built 1912· Earth· 34 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Newcastle Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 34 ft (taller than 76% in TX)
Dam Length700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage310 acre-ft
Normal Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1 cfs
Year Completed1912 (114 years old)
NID IDTX03943

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 5, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF NEWCASTLE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Newcastle Dam?

Newcastle Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Newcastle Dam?

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

When was Newcastle Dam built?

Newcastle Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Newcastle Dam?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle Dam?

Newcastle Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Newcastle Dam last inspected?

Newcastle Dam was last inspected on June 5, 2019. 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.