History
Choke Canyon Reservoir was completed in 1982 and filled for the first time in 1987. The reservoir was built by, and is owned by, the Bureau of Reclamation, but it is operated by the City of Corpus Christi. On July 11, 2002, Choke Canyon filled to 100% capacity based on inflows from the Frio River and San Miguel Creek.
Statistics
When full, the lake level is at 220.5' above sea level and stores 695,271 acre-feet of water. The bottom of the reservoir is at 132' above sea level. It has a surface area of 25,989 acres.
The dam is composed of 18,504' of earthen embankment and 350' of concrete spillway. The spillway contains seven radial-arm crest gates. The normal release of 33 acre-feet of water per day, for operating purposes, is made through a 20" bypass pipe. There are two 60" tunnels that are used when greater releases are needed. The crest gates are only used when excessive water, such as during flood events, needs to be released.
