Medical Center Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Medical Center Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, stands as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the CH-Rio Grande.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 250 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 3 feet, helps manage maximum discharges of up to 1 cubic feet per second, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Medical Center Dam exemplifies a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021. With a moderate risk level assigned, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and flood risk reduction capabilities. While its hazard potential remains unspecified, the dam's role in protecting the community is paramount, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate any potential threats.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Medical Center Dam serves as a notable example of infrastructure designed to enhance public safety and minimize flood risks in the El Paso region. As climate change continues to impact water systems and weather patterns, the dam's role in flood control and management becomes increasingly vital. By staying updated on its condition assessments, risk levels, and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can appreciate the complex interplay between water resources, climate factors, and dam infrastructure in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

OFF CH-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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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