Choke Canyon Dam
Choke Canyon Dam is an earth dam located in Live Oak County, Texas, built in 1982. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Choke Canyon Dam
Choke Canyon Dam is a dam in Live Oak, Texas. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Frio River near Three Rivers.
The dam stands 141 feet tall and stretches 18,504 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25,733 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,009,699 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,490 square miles. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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 03/02/2023.
At 141 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Live Oak |
| Nearest City | Three Rivers |
| River/Stream | Frio River |
| Coordinates | 28.48250, -98.24320 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 141 ft |
| Dam Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Length | 18,504 ft |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,009,699 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,009,699 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 714,117 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25,733 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,490 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 257,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 03/02/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX04425 |
| Federal ID | TX04425 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |