Van Buren Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Van Buren Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, was completed in 1948 by designers Freese and Nichols in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 1032 feet, serving as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Rio Grande. With a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6101 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 84 feet and five uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its age, Van Buren Dam has been maintained in satisfactory condition, with the last inspection in 2015 revealing no significant issues. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Van Buren Dam is a noteworthy structure due to its historical significance and ongoing role in flood risk reduction along the Rio Grande. As an essential part of the water management infrastructure in El Paso, the dam highlights the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to protect communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. With its satisfactory condition and regulated status, Van Buren Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources and mitigate climate-related risks in the region.

Years Modified

2012 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1032

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

OFF CH-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

3.6

Nid Storage

177

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 5

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.
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