Dick Nichols Park Dam in Austin, Texas, stands as a vital structure in the city's efforts towards flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1994 by the City of Austin, this earth dam on Kincheon Branch serves both practical and recreational purposes. With a height of 20.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, the dam spans 1450 feet and provides a storage capacity of 178 acre-feet.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2014, the dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure public safety. This uncontrolled spillway dam, with two outlet gates, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 7099 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for Dick Nichols Park Dam indicates a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
As a key asset in Austin's water resource management, Dick Nichols Park Dam not only safeguards against flooding but also offers a space for recreational activities. With its strategic location and design, this dam exemplifies the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in ensuring a sustainable future for the city.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
1450 |
Dam Height |
20.5 |
River Or Stream |
KINCHEON BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
3.64 |
Nid Storage |
178 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
|
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McKinney Falls State Park
|
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Camp Mabry Military
|