Vaquillas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vaquillas Dam, located in Webb, Texas, serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation purposes along the Salado Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 5300 feet. With a storage capacity of 5760 acre-feet, it plays a vital role in sustaining agricultural activities in the region.

Managed by private owners, Vaquillas Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 440 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water in times of heavy rainfall. Despite being rated as having a moderate risk level, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards.

Although no emergency action plan (EAP) currently exists for Vaquillas Dam, its significance in supporting irrigation activities underscores the importance of implementing risk management measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and reliability of structures like Vaquillas Dam is essential for sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

5300

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

SALADO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

277

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

21.4

Nid Storage

5760

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.