Palmetto Bend Dam
Palmetto Bend Dam is an earth dam located in Jackson County, Texas, built in 1981. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Palmetto Bend Dam
The primary purpose of Palmetto Bend 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 Lavaca-navidad River Authority (local government). It impounds the Navidad River.
The dam stands 93 feet tall and stretches 42,350 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9,727 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 365,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,394 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 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 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 11/16/2022.
At 93 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.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Jackson |
| River/Stream | Navidad River |
| Coordinates | 28.88961, -96.57967 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 93 ft |
| Dam Height | 63 ft |
| Dam Length | 42,350 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 365,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 365,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 173,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,727 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,394 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 240,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | LAVACA-NAVIDAD RIVER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX04779 |
| Federal ID | TX04779 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |