Medina Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Medina Lake Dam, located in Medina, Texas, was completed in 1913 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 165 feet with a length of 1550 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 327,250 acre-feet. The dam is a gravity type structure with a buttress core foundation, designed by Bartlett and Ranney, URS. The Medina River is the primary water source for the dam, with a drainage area of 634 square miles.

The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. In 2012, the dam underwent structural modifications to maintain its safety standards. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 880 feet, and there are six outlet gates, including one uncontrolled and five vertical lift gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a potential for hazards that are being managed through appropriate measures.

Medina Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural irrigation in the region. With its strategic location in the Medina River basin, the dam helps regulate water flow and storage, benefiting the surrounding communities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering marvel of this gravity dam and its contributions to sustainable water usage in Texas.

Years Modified

2012 - Structural

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

165

River Or Stream

MEDINA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

5575

Hydraulic Height

165

Drainage Area

634

Nid Storage

327250

Structural Height

165

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1, Vertical Lift - 5

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

165
       
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.