Cottonwood Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: March 14, 2026
Cottonwood Dam, located in Fabens, Texas, was completed in 1937 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-San Felipe Arroyo river.
Summary
Owned privately and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 1020 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates.
Designed by the USDA NRCS, Cottonwood Dam is inspected by the state of Texas and has a moderate risk assessment rating. While the hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, the dam is currently not rated. The dam has not been modified over the years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps. With its critical role in flood risk reduction, Cottonwood Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and understand the impact of water management in the region.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
1020 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAN FELIPE ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.82 |
Nid Storage |
800 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Cottonwood Dam