Wirtz Dam
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Wirtz Dam | |
Official name | Wirtz Dam |
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Impounds | Colorado River |
Creates | Lake LBJ |
Locale | Texas, USA |
Maintained by | Lower Colorado River Authority |
Length | 5,491 feet (1,674 m) |
Height | 118.3 feet (36.1 m) |
Width (at base) | 80 feet (24 m) |
Construction began | 1949 |
Opening date | 1950 |
Geographical Data | |
Coordinates | Coordinates: |
Wirtz Dam (formerly Granite Shoals Dam) was constructed from 1949 to 1950 in tandem with Max Starcke Dam to provide hydroelectric power and to form Lake LBJ, one of the Texas Highland Lakes. Originally called Granite Shoals Dam, it was renamed in 1951, in honor of Alvin J. Wirtz, who had been instrumental in the formation of the Lower Colorado River Authority. The dam is located at 30.5552 -98.3381 near the city of Marble Falls, Texas.