Rancho Viejo Dam C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rancho Viejo Dam C, located in Cameron County, Texas, is a privately owned Earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 7 feet and 200 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 65 acres. Despite having no spillway, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes by state authorities.

The dam, situated on the Resaca del Rancho Viejo, is part of the Galveston District and is not associated with any federal agencies. With a hazard potential rating of "Not Available" and a risk assessment of "High (2)", Rancho Viejo Dam C's condition is currently unrated, and there are no Emergency Action Plans (EAP) in place. The structure features one outlet gate and is designed with a buttress core type foundation. While details regarding the year of completion and any modifications are unknown, the dam continues to play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation in the region.

Overall, Rancho Viejo Dam C serves as a key irrigation resource in Texas, owned and operated privately with state regulation and oversight. Its design and purpose highlight its importance in water management and agriculture in the area, although there are potential risks associated with its current condition and lack of comprehensive emergency plans. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and ensuring the safety and efficiency of dams like Rancho Viejo Dam C is crucial for sustainable water use and environmental protection in the region.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

RESACA DEL RANCHO VIEJO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

View more

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Rancho Viejo Dam CRio Grande nr Brownsville Preview Rio Grande Nr Brownsville
21.6cfs
22cfs

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.
View more

Nearby Reservoirs

View more

Featured Parks