Waco Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waco Dam, located on the Bosque River near Waco, Texas, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure designed to protect downstream communities.


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Summary

Completed in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the earth dam stands at a height of 140 feet and has a storage capacity of 969,000 acre-feet. Despite its role in reducing peak flooding levels downstream, the dam still poses a high hazard potential due to the risk of surcharge releases through the controlled spillway during extreme flood events.

To mitigate these risks, the USACE conducts regular inspections, surveillance, and maintenance to ensure the dam's structural integrity. In 2017, repairs were made to the left abutment of the concrete gated spillway following an embankment slide, and additional monitoring instruments were installed to track water seepage. Furthermore, an Emergency Action Plan is updated annually to enhance emergency response coordination with stakeholders and downstream agencies. Looking ahead, a risk assessment study planned for 2023 aims to identify further measures for reducing the risks associated with Waco Dam and enhancing the safety of surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

17400

Dam Height

140

River Or Stream

BOSQUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7270

Hydraulic Height

135

Drainage Area

1670

Nid Storage

969000

Structural Height

145

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

145
       
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.