Benbrook Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Benbrook Dam in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.


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Summary

Completed in 1951 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at 134 feet high and has a storage capacity of 410,000 acre-feet. Despite its flood reduction benefits, Benbrook Dam still poses a moderate risk in the event of an extreme, unprecedented flood event that could potentially lead to dam breaching and catastrophic flooding downstream, impacting communities in Tarrant and Dallas Counties, including downtown Fort Worth and Dallas.

To mitigate risks and ensure public safety, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various risk management measures for Benbrook Dam. These include regular inspections, surveillance, and maintenance, as well as close coordination with local emergency managers to update evacuation plans and enhance emergency response capabilities. The Emergency Action Plan is annually updated and exercised, and stakeholders are regularly informed of the risks associated with the dam. Additionally, USACE continuously evaluates and implements interim risk reduction measures to address any potential vulnerabilities and ensure the dam's structural integrity.

Despite the potential risks associated with extreme flood events, the ongoing efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers demonstrate a commitment to monitoring and maintaining Benbrook Dam to protect downstream communities and minimize the potential impact of a dam breach. The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, along with comprehensive risk management strategies, aims to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness in the face of potential flood hazards.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

9130

Dam Height

130

River Or Stream

CLEAR FORK OF TRINITY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3770

Hydraulic Height

124

Drainage Area

429

Nid Storage

410000

Structural Height

134

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

134
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.