Palmetto Bend Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Palmetto Bend Dam, located in Jackson, Texas, along the Navidad River, stands as a testament to engineering excellence and environmental stewardship.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth dam reaches a height of 93 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 365,000 acre-feet, serving multiple purposes including water supply, recreation, and flood control. The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 464 feet, ensures efficient water discharge during periods of excess flow.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Palmetto Bend Dam is a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure. With a surface area of 9727 acres and a drainage area of 1394 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the area. Despite its very high hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding communities.

The dam's strategic location and design, combined with regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures, underscore its essential role in safeguarding the local environment and economy. Supported by state permitting and enforcement measures, Palmetto Bend Dam stands as a beacon of sustainable water management practices and a key asset in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

42350

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

NAVIDAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9727

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

1394

Nid Storage

365000

Structural Height

93

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Roller - 12

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

93
       
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.