Max Starcke Dam
Max Starcke Dam is a gravity dam located in Burnet County, Texas, built in 1951. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Max Starcke Dam
The primary purpose of Max Starcke Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Lower Colorado River Authority (local government). It impounds the Colorado River near Austin.
The dam stands 99 feet tall and stretches 895 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 780 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,760 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 36,325 square miles. Completed in 1951, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 11/04/2022.
At 99 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Burnet |
| Nearest City | Austin |
| River/Stream | Colorado River |
| Coordinates | 30.55647, -98.25659 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 99 ft |
| Dam Height | 99 ft |
| Dam Length | 895.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 8,760 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 8,760 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,760 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 780 acres |
| Drainage Area | 36,325 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 421,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/04/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX00987 |
| Federal ID | TX00987 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |