Kerrville Ponding Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kerrville Ponding Dam, located in Kerrville, Texas, was completed in 1980 and serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation, recreation, and water supply purposes.


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Summary

This local government-owned dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 2499 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 835 acre-feet. Situated on the Guadalupe River, the dam has a drainage area of 488 square miles and a surface area of 106 acres, making it a significant water management structure in the region.

Designed by ESPEY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. and TURNER COLLIE AND BRADEN INC, Kerrville Ponding Dam features a multi-arch core type with foundations on rock and soil. The dam has undergone modifications in 1986 for structural enhancements and is regularly inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its safety and reliability. With a spillway width of 608 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 75,414 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with outlet gates for controlled water release.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and satisfactory risk level, Kerrville Ponding Dam has a notable hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks. Local authorities, along with state regulatory agencies, are responsible for enforcing safety measures and emergency preparedness plans to ensure the dam's resilience during unforeseen events. As a vital component of the region's water infrastructure, Kerrville Ponding Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Kerr County, Texas.

Years Modified

1986 - Structural

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

826

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

GUADALUPE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

106

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

488

Nid Storage

2499

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.