Somerville Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

20210

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

YEGUA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6430

Hydraulic Height

75

Drainage Area

1012

Nid Storage

1042000

Structural Height

80

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

80
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
Somerville Dam82 Preview 82
Somerville Dam81 Preview 81
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