Big Creek Dam, located in Delta County, Texas, is a vital water supply infrastructure owned and managed by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1987, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 38 feet, with a length of 4350 feet, and a storage capacity of 13,296 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the region, with a normal storage capacity of 4,625 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 34,863 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Big Creek Dam has undergone structural modifications in 1995 and 2001 to ensure its stability and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 807 feet and is equipped with two uncontrolled and three valve outlet gates. Despite being assessed as in fair condition in 2014, the dam's hazard potential and risk assessment are considered moderate (3), indicating potential risks that are actively managed through routine inspections and emergency preparedness measures.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will be intrigued by the engineering feat and operational significance of Big Creek Dam in sustaining water supply in the region. With its strategic location on Big Creek and critical role in water management, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure resilience and risk management in safeguarding water resources against environmental challenges.
Years Modified |
1995 - Structural, 2001 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
4350 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
512.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
11.92 |
Nid Storage |
13296 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |