Phelps Dodge Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eastwood Dam Carolina Basin Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Phelps Dodge Basin Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Rio Grande river.
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Summary
With a height of 31.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 32 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at 2520 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet. The dam, designed by CE, is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, Phelps Dodge Basin Dam poses a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing risk management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 563 feet and three uncontrolled outlet gates. The last inspection took place in May 2010, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the hazard potential and inundation maps are not available, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region.
Overall, Phelps Dodge Basin Dam stands as a vital component in the water resource management infrastructure, playing a key role in protecting El Paso and its surroundings from potential flooding events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a point of interest in understanding the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and risk management in ensuring the resilience of communities against natural disasters.
Dam Length |
2520 |
Dam Height |
31.5 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
330 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Phelps Dodge Basin Dam