Canyon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Canyon Lake Dam, located in New Braunfels, Texas, is a critical infrastructure owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction along the Guadalupe River.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, the earth dam stands at 224 feet high and has a storage capacity of 1,208,350 acre-feet. While the dam has historically performed well during extreme flood events, a risk assessment conducted in 2020 identified the potential for significant downstream flooding in communities like New Braunfels and Seguin if the dam were to fail or be overtopped.

To mitigate the risks associated with the dam, the USACE Fort Worth District has implemented various measures, including working with local emergency managers to develop evacuation plans, updating the Emergency Action Plan, and conducting emergency exercises with response teams. The district also regularly inspects and monitors the dam, conducts maintenance and repairs as needed, and implements interim risk reduction measures such as stockpiling materials to prevent overtopping. Despite these efforts, the possibility of significant loss of life and economic damages remains in the event of a dam breach, underscoring the importance of ongoing risk management and preparedness efforts for the safety of downstream communities.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

224

River Or Stream

GUADALUPE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8308

Hydraulic Height

219

Drainage Area

1425

Nid Storage

1208350

Structural Height

224

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

224
       
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.