Riverside Diversion Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
The Riverside Diversion Dam, located in San Elizario, Texas along the Rio Grande, was completed in 1928 with the primary purpose of irrigation.
Summary
This gravity dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 267 feet, providing a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet. The dam is owned by the federal government and is not regulated by the state, with no state jurisdiction or permitting involved.
Despite being classified as having a high risk assessment of 2, the condition of the Riverside Diversion Dam remains unrated. The dam features five other controlled outlet gates and six Tainter (radial) gates. It is designed with a buttress core type and an unlisted/unknown foundation. The dam does not have a spillway and is not equipped with locks for navigation purposes.
Although last inspected in 1996, the dam has not been rated for its condition, and there is no emergency action plan in place. With a risk assessment of 2, the Riverside Diversion Dam warrants further attention and possibly additional risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality for irrigation purposes along the Rio Grande.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
267 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 5, Tainter (radial) - 6 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Riverside Diversion Dam