Palo Duro Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palo Duro Dam, located in Hansford County, Texas, along Palo Duro Creek, stands as a vital structure for fire protection, stock watering, and recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1991 by FREESE AND NICHOLS, this earth dam stands at a height of 128 feet, with a hydraulic height of 128 feet and a structural height of 139 feet. The dam's primary purpose is to provide water supply for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 60,900 acre-feet.

With a maximum storage capacity of 278,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 2,410 acres, Palo Duro Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, two uncontrolled outlet gates, and one valve outlet gate. The dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, with a moderate risk level assigned, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

Overall, Palo Duro Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management, providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational activities in the region. Its construction and design by FREESE AND NICHOLS reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices. As a regulated structure under the supervision of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

3450

Dam Height

128

River Or Stream

PALO DURO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2410

Hydraulic Height

128

Drainage Area

614

Nid Storage

278500

Structural Height

139

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

139
       
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.