Kirby Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kirby Lake Dam, located in Bexar County, Texas, stands as a testament to engineering excellence with its earth core buttress design.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this privately owned dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. With a height of 19 feet and a length of 600 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, providing a critical water source for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and regulated to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition of the dam remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing risk assessment and management measures. The absence of a spillway and limited drainage area suggest a need for continued monitoring and preparedness for potential emergencies.

As an integral component of the local water infrastructure, Kirby Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With its strategic location on the TR-ELM Creek and close proximity to the Galveston District, the dam serves as a lifeline for water supply and flood control. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of this dam cannot be understated in safeguarding the community against water-related risks and promoting sustainable water usage practices.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.