Whitehouse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whitehouse Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, was completed in 1949 and serves as a critical water supply infrastructure for the region.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a storage capacity of 85,810 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 42,500 acre-feet. It spans 4,709 feet in length and is primarily made of earth and stone materials, with a spillway width of 200 feet for uncontrolled water release.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Whitehouse Dam plays a vital role in regulating the flow of Prairie Creek and supporting water resource management in the area. With a fair condition assessment as of 2016, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the dam remains a crucial asset for water supply and climate resilience in the community, supported by local government ownership.

Furthermore, Whitehouse Dam has been designed by T.C. Forrest Jr. and Wisenbaker Fix & Associates, signifying a commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable water infrastructure development. As a key component of the Fort Worth District's water management system, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and enhancing water resources in the face of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges. Its role in ensuring water security and supply reliability underscores the significance of responsible dam management for the benefit of both present and future generations.

Years Modified

2015 - Other

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

4709

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3584

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

45

Nid Storage

85810

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 3, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.