Vaquillas Dam

SALADO CREEK· Webb, Texas· Built 1967· Earth· 28 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Vaquillas Dam is classified as low hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 61.3% in TX)
Dam Length5,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage5.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.6K acre-ft
Surface Area277 acres
Drainage Area21 sq mi
Max Discharge50,560 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDTX02266

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 4, 1974
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

VAQUILLAS RANCH COMPANY LTD

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Vaquillas Dam?

Vaquillas Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Vaquillas Dam?

Vaquillas Dam is owned by VAQUILLAS RANCH COMPANY LTD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Vaquillas Dam built?

Vaquillas Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Vaquillas Dam?

Vaquillas 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 Vaquillas Dam?

Vaquillas Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Vaquillas Dam last inspected?

Vaquillas Dam was last inspected on April 4, 1974. 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.