Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam

SULFUR DRAW· Culberson, Texas· Built 1985· Earth· 79 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 79 ft (taller than 98.6% in TX)
Dam Length1,850 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge22,940 cfs
Year Completed1985 (41 years old)
NID IDTX06644

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: March 12, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF VAN HORN;CULBERSON COUNTY;HIGHPOINT SWCD

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam 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 Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam is owned by CITY OF VAN HORN;CULBERSON COUNTY;HIGHPOINT SWCD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam built?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam has a dam height of 79 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 Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam last inspected?

Three Mile and Sulfur Draw WS SCS Site 1 Dam was last inspected on March 12, 2020. 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.