Columbia Lakes Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Brazoria, Texas, the Columbia Lakes Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1967.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, serves the dual purpose of recreation and water resource management. Designed by Kenneth Briton, PE, the earth dam features a stone core and soil foundation, standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching over 16,720 feet in length. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 1,686 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 279 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With three slide outlet gates and no spillway, the dam boasts a hazard potential deemed "Not Available," with a high risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its current condition, although emergency action plans have been prepared to meet guidelines. The dam's location off Ch-Varnar Creek within the Fort Worth District makes it a vital resource for the community of West Columbia.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the Columbia Lakes Reservoir Dam remains a critical asset for managing water supply and providing recreational opportunities in Brazoria County. With continued state oversight and risk management measures, this dam serves as a model for sustainable water resource development in the face of environmental challenges. Passionate water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the ingenuity and importance of the Columbia Lakes Reservoir Dam in sustaining both natural ecosystems and human communities in Texas.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

16720

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

OFF CH-VARNER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

279

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

2810

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
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.