Robert Lee Dam
Robert Lee Dam is an earth dam located in Coke County, Texas, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Robert Lee Dam
The primary purpose of Robert Lee 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 Colorado River Municipal Water District (local government). It impounds the Colorado River near Robert Lee.
The dam stands 140 feet tall and stretches 18,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15,100 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,139,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,140 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/09/2024.
At 140 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Coke |
| Nearest City | Robert Lee |
| River/Stream | Colorado River |
| Coordinates | 31.89628, -100.51613 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 140 ft |
| Dam Height | 140 ft |
| Dam Length | 18,300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,139,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,139,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 517,272 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,140 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 607,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | COLORADO RIVER MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/09/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX03517 |
| Federal ID | TX03517 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |