Amistad Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Amistad Dam, located in Del Rio, Texas, is a concrete structure that serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation along the Rio Grande river.


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Summary

Completed in 1969 by the International Boundary and Water Commission with design assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at a height of 254 feet and has a storage capacity of 5,128,000 acre-feet of water.

With a surface area of 89,000 acres and a drainage area of 123,134 square miles, Amistad Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 800 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,507,000 cubic feet per second, making it an essential infrastructure for flood control and water release during peak flow periods. Despite its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is monitored by regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Amistad Dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding communities by providing water storage, flood protection, and recreational opportunities. As climate change impacts water resources and weather patterns, the importance of well-maintained dams like Amistad becomes even more critical for sustainable water management and resilience against extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

32022

Dam Height

254

River Or Stream

Rio Grande

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

89000

Hydraulic Height

247

Drainage Area

123134

Nid Storage

5128000

Structural Height

287

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

287
       
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.