Oxidation Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Oxidation Pond Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Rio Grande river.


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Summary

Built in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 85 feet and stretches over 2580 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2114 acre-feet, it plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Oxidation Pond Dam has been assessed to be in fair condition as of April 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 133 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has been inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. With its strategic location and design, the Oxidation Pond Dam continues to play a key role in safeguarding the community and environment from water-related hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Oxidation Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in flood risk reduction and dam management. Its construction, maintenance, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the challenges and importance of water infrastructure in mitigating natural disasters and ensuring public safety. As climate change continues to impact water systems, understanding the role of structures like the Oxidation Pond Dam becomes increasingly vital in building resilient communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental threats.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

2580

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

TR-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

85

Drainage Area

5.12

Nid Storage

2114

Structural Height

85

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

85
       
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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