Pershing Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Pershing Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, along the TR-RIO GRANDE river, was completed in 1977 by the U.S.


Summary

Army Corps of Engineers with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a length of 3495 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1120 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, Pershing Dam plays a crucial role in debris control and flood risk reduction in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 171 feet and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for water management. Despite its moderate hazard potential, the dam has been modified in 1993 for structural improvements and is maintained to meet regulatory standards for safety and performance. The dam's risk assessment reflects a moderate level of risk (3) and the local government takes necessary measures to manage any potential risks associated with the dam.

Overall, Pershing Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the El Paso area. Through its strategic design and operational measures, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the community from flooding events and ensuring the safety of surrounding areas along the TR-RIO GRANDE river. As a key component in the local flood risk reduction strategy, Pershing Dam continues to be a crucial asset in safeguarding the region's water resources and infrastructure.



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15-Day Weather Outlook


Years Modified

1993 - Structural

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

3495

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

TR-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

1.05

Nid Storage

1120

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

48
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.