Max Starcke Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Max Starcke Dam, located in Burnet, Texas, along the Colorado River, is a gravity dam primarily used for hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Built in 1951 by FREESE AND NICHOLS, this impressive structure stands at 99 feet tall with a length of 896 feet, providing a storage capacity of 8,760 acre-feet. With a surface area of 780 acres and a drainage area of 36,325 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water supply and recreation for the region.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 608 feet and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Regular inspections ensure the dam's structural integrity, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017. Despite its very high hazard potential, the risk management measures in place help mitigate any potential threats, making Max Starcke Dam a vital asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

With its picturesque location and significant contribution to hydroelectric power generation, Max Starcke Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. As a key infrastructure for water supply, recreation, and flood control, the dam continues to play a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the community while balancing the demands of sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

896

Dam Height

99

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

780

Hydraulic Height

99

Drainage Area

36325

Nid Storage

8760

Structural Height

99

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

99
       
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.