Espantosa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Espantosa Dam, located on the Nueces River in Dimmit, Texas, was completed in 1917 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This buttress-type dam has a height of 12 feet and a length of 315 feet, with a storage capacity of 1,745 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite being rated as having a moderate risk level, the hazard potential and condition assessment of Espantosa Dam are not currently available. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agencies, and it is not under the jurisdiction of any state or federal agency, allowing the local government to manage its operations independently.

Espantosa Dam, situated in a picturesque location with a surface area of 27.5 acres, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and its importance in providing water resources for agricultural irrigation in the region. Its historical significance, combined with its continued functionality and regulation, makes it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and learn from.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

NUECES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

27.5

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

1745

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.