Medina Diversion Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Medina Diversion Lake Dam, located in RioMedina, Texas, is a gravity dam built in 1913 by designers Bartlett and Ranney.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 51 feet and a length of 450 feet, serves the primary purpose of irrigation along the Medina River. It has a storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 678,414 cubic feet per second.

The dam features a multi-arch core type and a rock foundation, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 360 feet. It is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2012. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a hazard potential that is not available and a condition assessment that is not rated.

With a surface area of 197 acres and serving a drainage area of 649 square miles, the Medina Diversion Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's design and operational details fascinating for understanding its impact on irrigation and flood control along the Medina River.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

MEDINA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

197

Hydraulic Height

51

Drainage Area

649

Nid Storage

3900

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Uncontrolled - 1, Vertical Lift - 5

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

62
       
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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.