Prison Canyon Dam
Key Takeaway
Prison Canyon Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 40 ft (taller than 84.9% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 780 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 830 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 406 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,117 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02456 |
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
DTB INVESTMENTS LP
Private
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Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Prison Canyon Dam?
Prison Canyon 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 Prison Canyon Dam?
Prison Canyon Dam is owned by DTB INVESTMENTS LP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Prison Canyon Dam built?
Prison Canyon Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Prison Canyon Dam?
Prison Canyon Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Prison Canyon Dam?
Prison Canyon Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Prison Canyon Dam last inspected?
Prison Canyon Dam was last inspected on November 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.