Fabens Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rattlesnake Dam Cottonwood Dam
Last Updated: March 14, 2026
Fabens Dam, located in Fabens, Texas, along the San Felipe Arroyo river, was completed in 1938 by the USDA NRCS as a local government-owned structure.
Summary
Standing at a height of 40 feet with a length of 1200 feet, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes, with a storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, measuring 186 feet wide, is of the uncontrolled type, allowing for a maximum discharge of 3 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment as of October 2016, Fabens Dam has a moderate risk rating, with inspection frequency set at every 5 years. The dam features an outlet with one slide gate and three uncontrolled gates. Operated and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam has a hazard potential that is not available, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fabens Dam offers a compelling example of infrastructure designed to manage water flow and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events in the region.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Years Modified |
1942 - Other |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
SAN FELIPE ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
64 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
8.85 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
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.
Fabens Dam