Dam 47 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dam 47, also known as Airfield Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Bell County, Texas, near the city of Killeen.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS and owned by the US Army, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Long Branch river. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 2109 feet, Dam 47 has a storage capacity of 1189 acre-feet and a normal storage of 67 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 22 acres.

Managed and regulated by various federal agencies, including the US Army, Dam 47 is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 100 feet wide. The dam has a high hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections by the US Army. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the condition assessment of Dam 47 is currently not available, and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in 2009. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Dam 47 to be a fascinating structure with a vital role in managing flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

2109

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

Long Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1189

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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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.