Wind
Humidity
Umbarger Dam, located in Canyon, Texas, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Built in 1938 and modified in 1993 and 2009, this Earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 947 feet in length. It has a maximum storage capacity of 78,920 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 970 acres, supporting Tierra Blanca Creek with a drainage area of 755 square miles.
Despite its historical significance, Umbarger Dam has been rated with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of June 2017. With a moderate risk rating, the dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam also features an uncontrolled spillway and slide gates for outlet control. Its location within Randall County, Texas, presents both challenges and opportunities in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Umbarger Dam to be a focal point in the conservation efforts of the Tierra Blanca Creek watershed. With its rich history, engineering significance, and environmental impact, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in supporting wildlife habitats and managing water resources in the area. As discussions around dam safety and risk management continue, Umbarger Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of balancing human needs with ecological preservation in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Years Modified |
1993 - Hydraulic, 2009 - Mechanical |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
947 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TIERRA BLANCA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
970 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
755 |
Nid Storage |
78920 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Buzzard's Nest
|
||
Goodnight Meadows
|
||
Seven Caves
|
||
Twin Buttes
|
||
Skunk Hallow
|
||
Coyote Mesa
|