Mc Callen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mc Callen Dam, located in Travis County, Texas, is a local government-owned structure designed by BURY AND PARTNERS and completed in 1998.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 15.1 feet, serves a primary purpose of "other" and is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. With a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 99 acre-feet, Mc Callen Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Situated on the TR-WALNUT CREEK, Mc Callen Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 31 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. The condition assessment as of June 2014 was deemed fair, with a moderate risk level of 3. With a drainage area of 363.9 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1253 cubic feet per second, Mc Callen Dam plays a critical role in flood control and water supply for the city of Austin.

In terms of safety and emergency preparedness, Mc Callen Dam had its last inspection in February 2014, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the hazard potential and inundation maps are not available, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. With its essential role in water management and the surrounding ecosystem, Mc Callen Dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece in ensuring sustainable water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

825

Dam Height

15.1

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15.1

Drainage Area

363.9

Nid Storage

99

Structural Height

15.1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.