Canyon Dam (Texas) facts for kids
The Canyon Dam is a large dam in Texas. It's built on the Guadalupe River, which flows through the Hill Country. This dam holds back the river's water, creating a large body of water called Canyon Lake. The dam helps control floods and stores water for people to use.
Where is Canyon Dam Located?
Canyon Dam is in a special part of Texas. It is about 36 miles (58 km) northeast of San Antonio. It is also about 38 miles (61 km) southwest of Austin.
The dam itself is very long, stretching 6,830 feet (2,082 m) across a narrow river valley. The very top of the dam is 974 feet (297 m) above sea level. This means it stands 224 feet (68 m) taller than the riverbed below it.
There is also a special part called a spillway near the dam. This spillway helps protect the dam. If the lake water gets too high, the spillway opens. It lets extra water out when the lake reaches 943 feet (287 m) above sea level. This prevents the dam from being damaged by too much water.
The dam is also located near a geological feature called the Balcones Escarpment. West of this area, the rocky canyons can hold a lot of water. But the flatter lands to the east cannot. This difference can cause fast and dangerous flash floods in towns east of the dam.
Why Was Canyon Dam Built?
Canyon Dam was built to solve a big problem: floods. The Guadalupe River had major floods in 1936 and 1938. These floods caused a lot of damage. After these events, leaders in Texas asked the U.S. government for help. They wanted a way to control the river's flooding.
The U.S. Congress agreed to help. They approved money for the dam in 1945. Final approval for building the dam came in 1954.
Construction of Canyon Dam started in 1958. Its main goals were to control floods and save water. The dam began holding water in 1964. By 1968, Canyon Lake was filled to its normal level. The Tencon Corporation built the dam. Today, the United States Army Corps of Engineers manages how the dam works. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority manages the water in the lake.
- Canyon Lake from the Handbook of Texas Online
- Map: 29°52′07″N 98°11′51″W / 29.86861°N 98.19750°W
