Natural Dam

About Natural Dam

The primary purpose of Natural Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Colorado River Municipal Water District (local government). It impounds the Sulphur Springs Draw Of Beals Creek near Big Spring.

The dam stands 47 feet tall and stretches 1,750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,710 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 207,265 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 485 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/12/2024.

At 47 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.

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.