District 17 Los Cuates Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

District 17 Los Cuates Dam, located in Cameron County, Texas, is a private Earth dam built in 1931 primarily for irrigation purposes on the Resaca de Los Cuates stream.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 7 feet and a length of 365 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 245 acre-feet and serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Despite being regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and having state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam's hazard potential is labeled as "Not Available" with a high risk assessment rating.

Owned privately and without federal agency involvement, District 17 Los Cuates Dam stands as a key infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. Although its inspection frequency and condition assessment are not readily available, the dam plays a vital role in providing water for irrigation purposes. The absence of a spillway and limited information on emergency action plans highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining the dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and agricultural lands it serves.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance and potential risks associated with District 17 Los Cuates Dam is crucial for effective water management strategies. With a designated purpose for irrigation and a high-risk classification, continued monitoring, assessment, and potential upgrades are essential to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of this important water infrastructure in Cameron County, Texas.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

RESACA DE LOS CUATES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

245

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

View more

Nearby Streamflow Levels

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.