Somerville Dam, located in Washington County, Texas, was completed in 1967 by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a flood risk reduction project on Yegua Creek. The earth dam stands at a height of 80 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,042,000 acre-feet. Despite its effectiveness in reducing flood risks downstream, a risk assessment in 2018 classified the dam's hazard potential as high due to potential failure mechanisms such as embankment erosion and overtopping during extreme flood events.

To manage the risks associated with the dam, regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance are carried out by the USACE. Surveillance is increased as lake elevation rises, and measures such as cleaning relief wells, evaluating seepage analyses, and implementing interim risk reduction strategies are in place. The USACE collaborates with local emergency managers to update evacuation plans, conduct emergency exercises, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure preparedness in the event of a dam breach, which could result in significant loss of life and economic damages to the city of Somerville. Despite the risks, the dam is monitored and maintained to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and critical infrastructure.