Powell Lake Dam
Powell Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Howard County, Texas, built in 1939. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Powell Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Powell Lake 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 Powell Creek.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 2,160 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 163 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,988 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 25 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 03/11/2024.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Howard |
| River/Stream | Powell Creek |
| Coordinates | 32.20929, -101.26898 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,160 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,988 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,988 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,458 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 163 acres |
| Drainage Area | 25 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,318 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | COLORADO RIVER MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 03/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX03797 |
| Federal ID | TX03797 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |