Park Bend Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Park Bend Dam, located in Austin, Texas, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Walnut Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1983 by ESPEY HOUSTON AND ASSOCIATES INC, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 800 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and mitigating potential hazards in the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Park Bend Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, highlighting its design for flood risk reduction purposes. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the dam's hazard potential is not available, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and adherence to safety guidelines to protect both the dam and the local community it serves.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Park Bend Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, environmental management, and public safety. As a vital component of the local flood control system, this earth dam serves as a key player in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential water-related disasters. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the complex world of water resource management and the critical role of dams in mitigating flood risks in dynamic and ever-changing environments.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.