Rattlesnake Dam

SAN FELIPE ARROYO· El Paso, Texas· Built 1938· Earth· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Rattlesnake Dam is classified as low hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 25.8% in TX)
Dam Length1,250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDTX01959

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 28, 2006
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

INDIAN CLIFFS RANCH INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rattlesnake Dam?

Rattlesnake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rattlesnake Dam?

Rattlesnake Dam is owned by INDIAN CLIFFS RANCH INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rattlesnake Dam built?

Rattlesnake Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Rattlesnake Dam?

Rattlesnake 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 Rattlesnake Dam?

Rattlesnake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Rattlesnake Dam last inspected?

Rattlesnake Dam was last inspected on September 28, 2006. 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.