Sam Rayburn Dam
Key Takeaway
Sam Rayburn Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 120 ft (taller than 99.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 12,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.5M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.9M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 114,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,449 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 227,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00011 |
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
USACE - Fort Worth District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sam Rayburn Dam?
Sam Rayburn 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 Sam Rayburn Dam?
Sam Rayburn Dam is owned by USACE - Fort Worth District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sam Rayburn Dam built?
Sam Rayburn Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Sam Rayburn Dam?
Sam Rayburn Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sam Rayburn Dam?
Sam Rayburn Dam has a dam height of 120 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 Sam Rayburn Dam last inspected?
Sam Rayburn Dam was last inspected on March 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.