Rock Cliff Dam

SPIRES CREEK· Bandera, Texas· Built 1956· Earth· 51 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Rock Cliff Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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	51 ft (taller than 94.4% in TX)
Dam Length	560 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	2.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.7K acre-ft

Surface Area	96 acres
Drainage Area	4 sq mi
Max Discharge	18,927 cfs
Year Completed	1956 (70 years old)
NID ID	TX02916

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: January 30, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

FLYING L LAND & LIVESTOCK LLC;ROCK CLIFF RESERVOIR LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Ikins Lake Dam No 2

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Montague Lake Dam

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Ikins Lake Dam No 1

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Significant Hazard 24 ft

Boazman Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 23 ft

Twin Lakes Dam No 1

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High Hazard 21 ft

Mosher Little Lake Dam

Bandera, TX

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Mosher Big Lake Dam

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High Hazard 26 ft

Hadfield Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 10 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rock Cliff Dam?

Rock Cliff 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 Rock Cliff Dam?

Rock Cliff Dam is owned by FLYING L LAND & LIVESTOCK LLC;ROCK CLIFF RESERVOIR LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rock Cliff Dam built?

Rock Cliff Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Rock Cliff Dam?

Rock Cliff Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Rock Cliff Dam?

Rock Cliff Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Rock Cliff Dam last inspected?

Rock Cliff Dam was last inspected on January 30, 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.