Ben Ficklin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ben Ficklin Dam, located in San Angelo, Texas, along the South Concho River, is a gravity dam primarily used for recreation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1918, the dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 288 feet, providing a storage capacity of 515 acre-feet.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 238 feet and one uncontrolled outlet gate.

With a moderate risk assessment rating, Ben Ficklin Dam continues to serve as a vital water resource for the region, offering not just recreational opportunities but also contributing to the water supply infrastructure. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance make it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

288

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

SOUTH CONCHO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

515

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.