Zoo Lake No 1 Dam
Key Takeaway
Zoo Lake No 1 Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 16 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,805 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | TX02701 |
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
CITY OF ABILENE
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Zoo Lake No 1 Dam?
Zoo Lake No 1 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 Zoo Lake No 1 Dam?
Zoo Lake No 1 Dam is owned by CITY OF ABILENE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Zoo Lake No 1 Dam built?
Zoo Lake No 1 Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Zoo Lake No 1 Dam?
Zoo Lake No 1 Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Zoo Lake No 1 Dam?
Zoo Lake No 1 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 Zoo Lake No 1 Dam last inspected?
Zoo Lake No 1 Dam was last inspected on September 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.