Calaveras Creek Dam
Calaveras Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Bexar County, Texas, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Calaveras Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Calaveras Creek 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 City Public Service Board (local government). It impounds the Calaveras Creek.
The dam stands 86 feet tall and stretches 5,920 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,391 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 97,441 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 65 square miles. Completed in 1969, 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 12/05/2023.
At 86 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 | Bexar |
| River/Stream | Calaveras Creek |
| Coordinates | 29.27850, -98.30536 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 86 ft |
| Dam Height | 79 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,920 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 97,441 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 97,441 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60,484 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,391 acres |
| Drainage Area | 65 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 129,914 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | CITY PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/05/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX01448 |
| Federal ID | TX01448 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |