White River Dam
White River Dam is an earth dam located in Crosby County, Texas, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About White River Dam
The primary purpose of White River 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 White River Mwd (local government). It impounds the White River.
The dam stands 85 feet tall and stretches 4,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,477 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 71,590 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 172 square miles. Completed in 1963, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/18/2024.
At 85 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 | Crosby |
| River/Stream | White River |
| Coordinates | 33.45852, -101.08345 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Height | 80 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 71,590 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 71,590 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 44,897 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,477 acres |
| Drainage Area | 172 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 121,015 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | WHITE RIVER MWD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 03/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX02143 |
| Federal ID | TX02143 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |