Salt Water Barrier And Diversion Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Located on the Guadalupe River in Texas, the Salt Water Barrier and Diversion Dam is a state-regulated structure designed by Forrest and Cotton for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this buttress-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a length of 213 feet, providing a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. While it does not have a spillway, the dam is equipped with one outlet gate for water control.

Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated as of the last inspection in 1976, with a high risk assessment due to its potential hazard. The structure is not owned or funded by any federal agency, but is under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find this dam an intriguing example of early water management efforts in Texas, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and risk management for sustainable water use in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

213

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

GUADALUPE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.