Dick Nichols Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dick Nichols Park Dam in Austin, Texas, stands as a vital structure in the city's efforts towards flood risk reduction.


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Summary

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
       
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.