Palmetto Bend Dam
Key Takeaway
Palmetto Bend Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 63 ft (taller than 97.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 42,350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 365.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 173.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,727 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,394 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 240,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04779 |
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
LAVACA-NAVIDAD RIVER AUTHORITY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palmetto Bend Dam?
Palmetto Bend 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 Palmetto Bend Dam?
Palmetto Bend Dam is owned by LAVACA-NAVIDAD RIVER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palmetto Bend Dam built?
Palmetto Bend Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Palmetto Bend Dam?
Palmetto Bend Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Palmetto Bend Dam?
Palmetto Bend Dam has a dam height of 63 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 Palmetto Bend Dam last inspected?
Palmetto Bend Dam was last inspected on November 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.