Whitehouse Dam

PRAIRIE CREEK· Smith, Texas· Built 1949· Earth· 50 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Whitehouse Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 Length4,709 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage85.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage42.5K acre-ft
Surface Area3,584 acres
Drainage Area45 sq mi
Max Discharge32,666 cfs
Year Completed1949 (77 years old)
NID IDTX00245

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: September 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF TYLER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Whitehouse Dam?

Whitehouse 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 Whitehouse Dam?

Whitehouse Dam is owned by CITY OF TYLER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Whitehouse Dam built?

Whitehouse Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Whitehouse Dam?

Whitehouse Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Whitehouse Dam?

Whitehouse 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 Whitehouse Dam last inspected?

Whitehouse Dam was last inspected on September 22, 2021. 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.