Lcra Inks Dam

Lcra Inks Dam is a gravity dam located in Burnet County, Texas, built in 1938. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Lcra Inks Dam

The primary purpose of Lcra Inks 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 Marble Falls.

The dam stands 97 feet tall and stretches 1,550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 803 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 63,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 31,290 square miles. Completed in 1938, 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. 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 10/06/2022.

At 97 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateTexas
CountyBurnet
Nearest CityMarble Falls
River/StreamColorado River
Coordinates30.73075, -98.38439

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height97 ft
Dam Height97 ft
Dam Length1,550 ft
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage63,500 acre-ft
Max Storage63,500 acre-ft
Normal Storage17,540 acre-ft
Surface Area803 acres
Drainage Area31,290 sq mi
Max Discharge1,211,097 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerLOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/06/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDTX00988
Federal IDTX00988
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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