Alvarez Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Alvarez Lake Dam, located in Starr, Texas, was completed in 1964 and stands at a height of 16 feet and a length of 660 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves as an Earth-type structure with a buttress core, designed to control and store water from the TR-Rio Grande river. With a storage capacity of 224 acre-feet, the dam primarily functions for purposes other than flood control or hydroelectric power generation.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Alvarez Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its condition being unrated and lacking hazard potential assessment. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with only one outlet gate, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. The surrounding area has a surface area of 15 acres and a normal storage capacity of 66 acre-feet, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Texas may find Alvarez Lake Dam to be a critical infrastructure that requires attention and monitoring. The dam's location along the TR-Rio Grande river and its significant storage capacity make it a key player in the local water management system. As the dam's risk level is rated as high, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety measures and emergency preparedness to ensure the continued functionality and integrity of the structure in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
224 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
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.
Alvarez Lake Dam