Longhorn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Longhorn Dam, located in Austin, Texas, stands as a testament to engineering excellence, with a height of 65 feet and a length of 1240 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this gravity dam on the Colorado River serves multiple purposes, including recreational activities and water resource management. Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam has a normal storage capacity of 3520 acre-feet, providing essential water supply for the region.

The dam's design, overseen by BROWN AND ROOT INC, features a buttress core supported by rock and soil foundations. With a maximum discharge capacity of 859,400 cubic feet per second, Longhorn Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and maintaining the ecological balance of the Colorado River. Despite not having a hazard potential rating or a condition assessment, the dam continues to be inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Longhorn Dam's strategic location, its contribution to water storage, and its impact on the surrounding environment make it a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a gravity dam with controlled outlets and valves, it exemplifies the intersection of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climates.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1240

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

480

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

0.42

Nid Storage

6850

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 2, Uncontrolled - 1, Valve - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

65
       
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.