Palmer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Palmer Dam, located in Uvalde, Texas, serves as a vital water supply source in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches for 550 feet, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Palmer Dam is to provide water for residential, agricultural, and industrial use in the area.

Despite its importance for water supply, Palmer Dam does not have a spillway and is classified as having a high risk potential. The dam is privately owned and is not regulated by the state, although it undergoes regular inspections. With its buttress core design, Palmer Dam faces challenges in managing potential hazards and ensuring its structural integrity over time. The dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Palmer Dam offers a fascinating case study in the management of water supply infrastructure in Texas. As a privately owned structure with limited regulatory oversight, the dam's risk potential and maintenance needs raise important questions about the sustainability of water resources in the region. By understanding the challenges faced by Palmer Dam and similar structures, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the reliability and safety of water supply systems in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

CAMP LAKE SLOUGH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.