Denison Dam, also known as Lake Texoma, is a vital Federal water resource infrastructure located in Bryan, Oklahoma, along the Red River.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dam Site
|
||
East Burns Run - Lake Texoma
|
||
West Burns Run - Lake Texoma
|
||
Fossil Ridge Camping area
|
||
Overflow Camping
|
||
Elm Point Camping Area
|