Upper Nueces Lake Dam

NUECES RIVER· Zavala, Texas· Built 1947· Earth· 60 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Nueces Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 60 ft (taller than 96.9% in TX)
Dam Length612 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage10.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.6K acre-ft
Surface Area316 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,648 cfs
Year Completed1947 (79 years old)
NID IDTX01802

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: February 10, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

ZAVALA DIMMIT CO WID 1

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Nueces Lake Dam?

Upper Nueces Lake 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 Upper Nueces Lake Dam?

Upper Nueces Lake Dam is owned by ZAVALA DIMMIT CO WID 1 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Nueces Lake Dam built?

Upper Nueces Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Upper Nueces Lake Dam?

Upper Nueces Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Nueces Lake Dam?

Upper Nueces Lake Dam has a dam height of 60 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 Upper Nueces Lake Dam last inspected?

Upper Nueces Lake Dam was last inspected on February 10, 2016. 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.