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