History

Fort Worth District
Lakes and Recreation Menu

History of Sam Rayburn Lake

Sam Rayburn Lake is formed by an earthfill dam with a crest length of 11,890 feet (3,624 m) and a top width of 38 feet (11.6 m). A reinforced concrete inlet structure near the center of dam houses the flood-control gates and operating equipment. Closure of the dam began March 20, 1982, and the dam was completed in January 1983. Deliberate impoundment began April 29, 1983. The lake was built for water supply, flood control, and recreation purposes.

The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is to deliver vital public and military engineering services; partnering in peace and war to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.

All information presented herein is the property of the government of the United States of America and may be revised or deleted at any time without prior notice. Dissemination of this information without the expressed written consent of the Public Affairs Office, Fort Worth District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is strictly prohibited. These data are gathered electronically and, as presented, have NOT undergone any form of quality control. These data are NOT guaranteed to be valid or correct.