Lake Findley Dam

Lake Findley Dam is an earth dam located in Jim Wells County, Texas, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Lake Findley Dam

The primary purpose of Lake Findley 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 City Of Alice (local government). It impounds the Chiltipin Creek near Alice.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 14,358 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 637 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,316 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 152 square miles. Completed in 1965, 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 11/07/2023.

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 HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateTexas
CountyJim Wells
Nearest CityAlice
River/StreamChiltipin Creek
Coordinates27.79050, -98.06054

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Dam Length14,358 ft
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage7,316 acre-ft
Max Storage7,316 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,780 acre-ft
Surface Area637 acres
Drainage Area152 sq mi
Max Discharge203,508 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCITY OF ALICE
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection11/07/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDTX03896
Federal IDTX03896
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams