Bill Bivens Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tule Lake Dam Ray Bivens Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bill Bivens Dam, located in Swisher, Texas, was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes on the Middle Tule Draw river or stream.
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Summary
This private dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a length of 285 feet, providing a storage capacity of 288 acre-feet. Despite being an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, it lacks a spillway and is not regulated by the state.
With its strategic location and design, Bill Bivens Dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish ponds in the region. The dam's high hazard potential underscores the importance of proper risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the structure. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment indicate a need for continued monitoring and maintenance.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bill Bivens Dam an intriguing structure due to its unique features and purpose. As an essential part of the local water management system, the dam represents the intersection of human engineering with natural resources, highlighting the complex relationship between water infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With its history of completion and ongoing risk assessment, the dam serves as a valuable case study for understanding the challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
285 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE TULE DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
288 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bill Bivens Dam