Russell Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Russell Dam 1, located in Cameron County, Texas, was completed in 1931 and serves as a crucial water management structure along the Resaca de los Cuates.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 1075 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. Despite its age, the dam has been regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, with a length of 550 feet, is designed with buttress core types and is not equipped with a spillway. While it has not been rated for condition assessment, its risk potential is classified as high. The last inspection of Russell Dam 1 took place in 1970, and it is not clear whether an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place. With its historical significance in water resource management and climate adaptation, Russell Dam 1 remains a vital infrastructure in the region and serves as an important case study for dam safety and risk management considerations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Russell Dam 1 presents an intriguing study in the evolution of water infrastructure in Texas. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue, understanding the maintenance and regulation of such dams becomes increasingly important. With its location on the Resaca de los Cuates and the involvement of the TCEQ in its oversight, Russell Dam 1 offers valuable insights into the intersection of water management, environmental protection, and infrastructure resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

RESACA DE LOS CUATES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

1075

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Russell Dam 1Rio Grande nr Brownsville Preview Rio Grande Nr Brownsville
21.6cfs
22cfs

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.
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