White Rock Dam

WHITE ROCK CREEK· Dallas, Texas· Built 1911· Earth· 47 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

White Rock Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 47 ft (taller than 91.6% in TX)
Dam Length2,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage39.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage9.0K acre-ft
Surface Area1,119 acres
Drainage Area100 sq mi
Max Discharge114,600 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDTX00840

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: January 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF DALLAS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of White Rock Dam?

White Rock 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 White Rock Dam?

White Rock Dam is owned by CITY OF DALLAS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was White Rock Dam built?

White Rock Dam was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 White Rock Dam?

White Rock Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is White Rock Dam?

White Rock Dam has a dam height of 47 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 White Rock Dam last inspected?

White Rock Dam was last inspected on January 26, 2022. 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.