Retama Reservoir Levee

OFF CH· Hidalgo, Texas· Built 1935· Earth· 9 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Retama Reservoir Levee is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 9 ft (taller than 2.7% in TX)
Dam Length12,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage13.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.9K acre-ft
Surface Area630 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
NID IDTX03793

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 3, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

SANTA CRUZ IRRIGATION DISTRICT 15

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Retama Reservoir Levee?

Retama Reservoir Levee 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 Retama Reservoir Levee?

Retama Reservoir Levee is owned by SANTA CRUZ IRRIGATION DISTRICT 15 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Retama Reservoir Levee built?

Retama Reservoir Levee was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Retama Reservoir Levee?

Retama Reservoir Levee serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Retama Reservoir Levee?

Retama Reservoir Levee has a dam height of 9 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 Retama Reservoir Levee last inspected?

Retama Reservoir Levee was last inspected on April 3, 2019. 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.