Mesa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mesa Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, is a vital structure designed by DAEN SWA to reduce flood risks along the TR-RIO GRANDE river.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and has a structural height of 58 feet, with a length of 4290 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 778 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 14,142 cubic feet per second.

With its uncontrolled spillway and three outlet gates, Mesa Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region. The dam has been assessed to be in fair condition as of April 2021, with a moderate risk level assigned. While the hazard potential is not available, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ensuring its compliance with state standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mesa Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events and safeguarding communities from flooding.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

4290

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

TR-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

75

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

2.94

Nid Storage

778

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

58
       
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.