Palo Duro Dam
Key Takeaway
Palo Duro Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 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 | 128 ft (taller than 99.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 3,450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 278.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,410 acres |
| Drainage Area | 614 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 237,501 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | TX06400 |
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
PALO DURO RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palo Duro Dam?
Palo Duro 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 Palo Duro Dam?
Palo Duro Dam is owned by PALO DURO RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palo Duro Dam built?
Palo Duro Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Palo Duro Dam?
Palo Duro Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Palo Duro Dam?
Palo Duro Dam has a dam height of 128 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 Palo Duro Dam last inspected?
Palo Duro Dam was last inspected on March 5, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.