Denison Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Denison Dam, also known as Lake Texoma, is a vital Federal water resource infrastructure located in Bryan, Oklahoma, along the Red River.


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Summary

Completed in 1944, this Earth dam stands at a height of 165 feet and has a storage capacity of over 5 million acre-feet, serving purposes such as flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply. With a spillway width of 2000 feet, the dam has a high hazard potential, necessitating risk management measures to safeguard downstream communities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) actively monitors and mitigates risks associated with Denison Dam through regular inspections, emergency response planning, and ongoing maintenance activities. A recent risk assessment classified the dam's overall risk as moderate, with potential failure scenarios including water seepage leading to erosion of foundation soils and extreme floods breaching the structure. Despite these risks, USACE is committed to implementing remedial measures and enhancing communication and evacuation plans to minimize the impact on communities downstream in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and beyond.

In addition to its critical role in flood protection and water management, Denison Dam serves as a key piece of infrastructure with significant economic and environmental implications for the region. With ongoing risk assessments and proactive risk management measures in place, the dam continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and resilience of surrounding communities in the face of potential water resource challenges and climate impacts.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

17200

Dam Height

165

River Or Stream

RED RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

86910

Hydraulic Height

161

Drainage Area

39719

Nid Storage

5194163

Structural Height

165

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

165
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.