Hughes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hughes Lake Dam, located in Washington County, Texas, was completed in 1955 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The earth dam, with a height of 20 feet and capacity of 700 acre-feet, is privately owned and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The dam sits on TR-New Year Creek and is part of the Galveston District, overseen by Congressman Michael T. McCaul.

Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in condition assessment, Hughes Lake Dam poses a high risk level (2) based on its hazard potential. The dam does not have a spillway, and there are no associated structures or locks. With a primary purpose of fire protection and recreation, the dam's normal storage capacity is 260 acre-feet. Although the dam is not federally owned, funded, or constructed, it is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Hughes Lake Dam an intriguing subject for study due to its unique design and purpose in the region. The dam's location on TR-New Year Creek adds to its ecological significance, providing water storage for various activities while also posing potential risks in case of failure. The dam's history, state regulation, and lack of federal involvement offer a rich narrative for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental policy in Texas.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-NEW YEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

700

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.