Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 16 feet and length of 980 feet, has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres. Situated on the TR-Rio Grande river, the dam lacks a spillway but has a single outlet gate for water control.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Horse Camp Tank Dam poses a high risk (rated 2 out of 4) due to its hazard potential and the lack of a condition assessment. The dam, designed as a buttress earth structure, has not been inspected recently, and its emergency action plan status and readiness are unknown. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this dam's risk profile intriguing, especially given its location in a region susceptible to extreme weather events and droughts.
For those interested in water resource management and dam safety, Horse Camp Tank Dam presents a case study worth exploring. With its unique design features, multiple purposes, and high-risk assessment, this dam in Culberson, Texas, along the TR-Rio Grande river, offers insights into the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and assessing the safety of small-scale water infrastructure in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
980 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Horse Camp Tank Dam