Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam

TR-BARNES CREEK· Morris, Texas· Built 1944· Earth· 41 ft tall
High Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 years old. 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 41 ft (taller than 86.3% in TX)
Dam Length2,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.6K acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge11,272 cfs
Year Completed1944 (82 years old)
NID IDTX07309

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 30, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

US STEEL TUBULAR PRODUCTS LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam?

Lower Barnes Reservoir 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 Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam?

Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam is owned by US STEEL TUBULAR PRODUCTS LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam built?

Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam?

Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 30, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.