Thorn Drive Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Thorn Drive Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, stands as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Rio Grande river.


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Summary

Constructed in 1957 by LANCE ENGINEERING, INC, this earth-type dam boasts a height of 50 feet and a length of 3590 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 773 acre-feet. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 203 feet, helps manage potential overflow during heavy rainfall events.

Despite being categorized as having a fair condition assessment, Thorn Drive Dam remains under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's last inspection in May 2010 revealed a moderate risk level, prompting a five-year inspection frequency to ensure its structural integrity. With a hazard potential not available, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thorn Drive Dam offers a significant case study in flood risk mitigation and dam safety. As a vital structure in the region's water management system, its design, construction, and ongoing maintenance play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential inundation events. The dam's historical significance, combined with its modern risk assessment and regulatory oversight, underscore the complex interplay between water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of changing climate patterns.

Years Modified

1982 - Other

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

3590

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

TR-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

2.78

Nid Storage

773

Structural Height

49

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.
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