What’s the difference between the “head” and “tail” elevation readings at a dam?
The “head” is the elevation of the water that is impounded behind a dam, and the “tail” is the water’s elevation in front of the dam. These two readings are elevations of two different lakes. At Mansfield Dam, for example, the “head” is the elevation of Lake Travis at the dam, while the “tail” reading reflects the elevation of Lake Austin in front of the dam. All readings are measured in feet above mean sea level.
