Mckelligon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mckelligon Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1982 for flood risk reduction along the TR-RIO GRANDE river.


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Summary

Standing at a towering height of 105 feet and stretching 1240 feet in length, this earth dam plays a vital role in mitigating potential flooding in the area. With a storage capacity of 1430 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 10450 cubic feet per second, Mckelligon Dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets to manage water flow effectively.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of April 2021, Mckelligon Dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, prompting ongoing risk management measures. With its strategic location and design, Mckelligon Dam serves as a critical asset in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flood hazards, highlighting its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

1240

Dam Height

105

River Or Stream

TR-RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

105

Drainage Area

2.23

Nid Storage

1430

Structural Height

105

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

105
       
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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