Aquilla Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Aquilla Dam, also known as Aquilla Lake, is a federal-owned structure in Waco, Texas, designed by the U.S.


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Summary

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and completed in 1983 for flood risk reduction along Aquilla Creek. Standing at 104 feet high and spanning 11,800 feet in length, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 420,840 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. However, despite its risk reduction measures, the dam still faces a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment due to potential flooding scenarios that could impact downstream communities, particularly the City of Waco located 25 river miles below.

To mitigate these risks, the USACE implements rigorous surveillance, regular inspections, and routine maintenance to ensure the structural integrity and safety of Aquilla Dam. The Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated and exercised, enhancing emergency response capabilities and coordination with various stakeholders. Despite the potential risks associated with the dam, the proactive risk management measures, including effective communication of risks with stakeholders and emergency managers, aim to reduce the likelihood of a dam breach and minimize the potential impacts on downstream communities in the event of a major flood event or structural failure. Aquilla Dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure for flood control and water management in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

11800

Dam Height

104

River Or Stream

AQUILLA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3280

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

252

Nid Storage

420840

Structural Height

104

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

104
       
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.