Walker Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY OF RIO GRANDE· Hidalgo, Texas· Built 1927· Earth· 12 ft tall
High Hazard Local Government

Key Takeaway

Walker Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. 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 12 ft (taller than 7.4% in TX)
Dam Length2,495 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage798 acre-ft
Normal Storage530 acre-ft
Surface Area116 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge2 cfs
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDTX07063

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 3, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT 6

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Walker Lake Dam?

Walker Lake 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 Walker Lake Dam?

Walker Lake Dam is owned by HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT 6 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Walker Lake Dam built?

Walker Lake Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Walker Lake Dam?

Walker Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Walker Lake Dam last inspected?

Walker Lake Dam was last inspected on April 3, 2019. 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.