Waco Dam
Key Takeaway
Waco Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 140 ft (taller than 99.7% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 17,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 969.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 152.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,670 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 683,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00016 |
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
USACE - Fort Worth District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Rainbow Lake Dam No 2
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 23 ftRainbow Lake Dam No 1
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 20 ftMahoney South Lake Dam
McLennan, TX
Significant Hazard 24 ftEagle Canyon Lake Dam
McLennan, TX
Low Hazard 28 ftLake Brazos Dam
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 33 ftRobinson Off-Channel Reservoirs 1a and 1b
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 24 ftCastleman Creek WS SCS Site 2 Dam
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 33 ftTehuacana Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam
McLennan, TX
High Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waco Dam?
Waco 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 Waco Dam?
Waco Dam is owned by USACE - Fort Worth District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waco Dam built?
Waco Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Waco Dam?
Waco Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Waco Dam?
Waco Dam has a dam height of 140 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 Waco Dam last inspected?
Waco Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.