Houston County Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Houston County Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 50 ft (taller than 93.5% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 56.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 27.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,282 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | TX03268 |
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
HOUSTON COUNTY WCID 1
Local Government
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Houston County Lake Dam?
Houston County 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 Houston County Lake Dam?
Houston County Lake Dam is owned by HOUSTON COUNTY WCID 1 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Houston County Lake Dam built?
Houston County Lake Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Houston County Lake Dam?
Houston County Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Houston County Lake Dam?
Houston County Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Houston County Lake Dam last inspected?
Houston County Lake Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.