Iron Bridge Dam
Iron Bridge Dam is an earth dam located in Van Zandt County, Texas, built in 1960. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Iron Bridge Dam
The primary purpose of Iron Bridge Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Sabine River Authority Of Texas (state). It impounds the Sabine River near Mineola.
The dam stands 85 feet tall and stretches 29,560 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 37,879 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,660,023 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 752 square miles. Completed in 1960, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/04/2023.
At 85 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Texas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Van Zandt |
| Nearest City | Mineola |
| River/Stream | Sabine River |
| Coordinates | 32.80827, -95.92044 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Length | 29,560 ft |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,660,023 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,660,023 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 888,137 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 37,879 acres |
| Drainage Area | 752 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 148,529 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | SABINE RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/04/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX00491 |
| Federal ID | TX00491 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |