Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 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 | 65 ft (taller than 97.7% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 2,929 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 161 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 50,278 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
| NID ID | TX07247 |
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 SAN MARCOS;HAYS COUNTY;HAYS COUNTY SWCD;UPPER SAN MARCOS WS RECLAMATION & FCD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
San Marcos State Fish Hatchery
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Significant Hazard 21 ftCenterpoint Dam
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Low Hazard 25 ftRio Vista Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftAquarena Dam
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Significant Hazard 7 ftUpper San Marcos River WS SCS Site 3
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High Hazard 60 ftScrutchin Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftUpper San Marcos River WS SCS Site 1
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High Hazard 80 ftParkers Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 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 Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam is owned by CITY OF SAN MARCOS;HAYS COUNTY;HAYS COUNTY SWCD;UPPER SAN MARCOS WS RECLAMATION & FCD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam built?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 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 Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam has a dam height of 65 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 San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam last inspected?
Upper San Marcos River WS NRCS Site 5 Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.