San Marcos State Fish Hatchery

OFF CH-SAN MARCOS RIVER· Hays, Texas· Built 1948· Earth· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other State Government

Key Takeaway

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 38.8% in TX)
Dam Length3,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Normal Storage43 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDTX06338

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 8, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of San Marcos State Fish Hatchery?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates San Marcos State Fish Hatchery?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery is owned by TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was San Marcos State Fish Hatchery built?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 San Marcos State Fish Hatchery?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is San Marcos State Fish Hatchery?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery has a dam height of 21 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 San Marcos State Fish Hatchery last inspected?

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery was last inspected on June 8, 2023. 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.