Olmos Dam
Key Takeaway
Olmos Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 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 | 58 ft (taller than 96.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,941 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 22.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 74,326 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04313 |
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 SAN ANTONIO
Local Government
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Low Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Olmos Dam?
Olmos 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 Olmos Dam?
Olmos Dam is owned by CITY OF SAN ANTONIO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Olmos Dam built?
Olmos Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Olmos Dam?
Olmos 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 Olmos Dam?
Olmos Dam has a dam height of 58 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 Olmos Dam last inspected?
Olmos Dam was last inspected on March 8, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.