Town Bluff Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Jasper, Texas, Town Bluff Dam, also known as B.A.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Steinhagen Lake, is a federal-owned earthen dam built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. With a height of 43 feet and a length of 6698 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. The dam's reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 67,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 218,200 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 14,700 acres and draining a watershed of 7573 acres along the Neches River.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Town Bluff Dam has a low risk of failure according to a risk assessment conducted by the USACE in 2014. The main risks identified include erosion through the dam's foundation during extreme flood events, potentially impacting downstream communities such as Evadale, Beaumont, and Rose City. To mitigate these risks, USACE has implemented various risk management measures, including conducting emergency exercises, updating the Emergency Action Plan, and maintaining a robust instrumentation and monitoring system to ensure the dam's integrity. The agency is also proactive in identifying and implementing interim risk reduction measures to safeguard public safety and reduce the likelihood of dam failure.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

6698

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

NECHES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14700

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

7573

Nid Storage

218200

Structural Height

45

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.