Americas Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
Americas Basin Dam, located in El Paso, Texas, serves as a crucial component in flood risk reduction efforts along the Rio Grande.
Summary
Built in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 5700 feet, providing a storage capacity of 694 acre-feet. The dam is primarily regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and overall condition.
With a spillway width of 301 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,320 cubic feet per second, Americas Basin Dam is equipped to handle significant water flow during periods of high rainfall or flooding. The dam is classified as having a fair condition assessment and a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to prevent potential hazards. Despite not having a designated emergency action plan (EAP) in place, the dam remains a critical asset in protecting the surrounding area from flood damage.
As a key infrastructure owned and managed by the local government, Americas Basin Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities in the El Paso region. Its strategic location and design help to control water flow and reduce the impact of potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of effective dam management and maintenance to safeguard water resources and climate resilience in the area.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
5700 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
OFF CH-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
7.88 |
Nid Storage |
694 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Americas Basin Dam