Addicks Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Addicks Dam, located in Harris County, Texas, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along the South Mayde Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1948 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this gravity dam stands at 48.5 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 200,800 acre-feet to mitigate the impact of severe storm events. However, despite its effectiveness in reducing flood risks, Addicks Dam still faces a high hazard potential, especially during extreme weather events like Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

To manage and reduce these risks, the USACE closely monitors and operates the dam in coordination with various agencies, including the National Weather Service and the Harris County Flood Control District. Recent risk assessments have classified the dam as high-risk, prompting the construction of new outlet structures and ongoing rehabilitation efforts to enhance its safety and stability. Additionally, the Buffalo Bayou Resiliency and Tributary Study is evaluating further measures to improve flood risk management upstream and downstream of the dam. Residents are advised to stay informed about potential risks and evacuation procedures through the USACE's Emergency Action Plans and resources.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

61166

Dam Height

48.5

River Or Stream

SOUTH MAYDE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

136

Nid Storage

200800

Structural Height

48.5

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

49
       
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.