Sikes Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sikes Lake 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 | 26 ft (taller than 55.2% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 370 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,554 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | TX01016 |
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
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS;MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Sikes Lake Dam?
Sikes Lake 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 Sikes Lake Dam?
Sikes Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF WICHITA FALLS;MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sikes Lake Dam built?
Sikes Lake 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 Sikes Lake Dam?
Sikes Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sikes Lake Dam?
Sikes Lake Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Sikes Lake Dam last inspected?
Sikes Lake Dam was last inspected on February 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.