Bear Branch Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bear Branch Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 58.3% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 2,569 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 66 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,101 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
| NID ID | TX05878 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bear Branch Lake Dam?
Bear Branch Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bear Branch Lake Dam?
Bear Branch Lake Dam is owned by SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bear Branch Lake Dam built?
Bear Branch Lake Dam was completed in 1983, making it 43 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bear Branch Lake Dam?
Bear Branch Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bear Branch Lake Dam?
Bear Branch Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bear Branch Lake Dam last inspected?
Bear Branch Lake Dam was last inspected on October 3, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.