Medina Lake Dam, located in Medina, Texas, was completed in 1913 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. The dam stands at a height of 165 feet with a length of 1550 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 327,250 acre-feet. The dam is a gravity type structure with a buttress core foundation, designed by Bartlett and Ranney, URS. The Medina River is the primary water source for the dam, with a drainage area of 634 square miles.

The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. In 2012, the dam underwent structural modifications to maintain its safety standards. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 880 feet, and there are six outlet gates, including one uncontrolled and five vertical lift gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a potential for hazards that are being managed through appropriate measures.

Medina Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural irrigation in the region. With its strategic location in the Medina River basin, the dam helps regulate water flow and storage, benefiting the surrounding communities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering marvel of this gravity dam and its contributions to sustainable water usage in Texas.