Juan Vela Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Juan Vela Lake Dam, located in Zapata, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves as a significant earth dam structure along the TR-Tigre Grande river.
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Summary
With a height of 13 feet and a length of 1700 feet, the dam provides essential water storage with a capacity of 322 acre-feet. While primarily designed for purposes other than flood control or hydroelectric power generation, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Owned privately and not regulated by the state, Juan Vela Lake Dam has a high risk assessment due to its hazard potential and lack of condition assessment. Despite being classified as "Not Rated," the dam's risk management measures are not specified, raising concerns for potential safety issues. With no spillway and limited outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan and inundation maps are not readily available, further highlighting the need for improved risk mitigation strategies and emergency preparedness.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should closely monitor the condition and management of Juan Vela Lake Dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding area. As a vital infrastructure for water storage and management, the dam's risk assessment and emergency preparedness play a critical role in protecting the community and environment from potential hazards. Continued oversight and proactive measures are essential to address the dam's high risk potential and ensure its long-term functionality and safety.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TIGRE GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
322 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
Rio Grande At Laredo
|
1760cfs |
Zacate Ck At Laredo
|
1cfs |
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.
Juan Vela Lake Dam