Wright Patman Dam
Key Takeaway
Wright Patman Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 | 106 ft (taller than 99.4% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 18,640 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.5M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 145.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,443 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 81,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00021 |
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
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wright Patman Dam?
Wright Patman 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 Wright Patman Dam?
Wright Patman 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 Wright Patman Dam built?
Wright Patman Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Wright Patman Dam?
Wright Patman 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 Wright Patman Dam?
Wright Patman Dam has a dam height of 106 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 Wright Patman Dam last inspected?
Wright Patman Dam was last inspected on March 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.