Foster Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Foster Lake Dam, located in Smithville, Texas, serves as a crucial water supply structure with a capacity of 1200 acre-feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1964, stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 610 feet in length. The dam's primary purpose is to provide water for the surrounding area, making it an essential resource for both residents and wildlife in the region.

Managed by a private owner and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Foster Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite not having a spillway, the dam's hazard potential is deemed "Not Available" with a high risk assessment rating of 2. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are also unspecified, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of this critical water infrastructure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Foster Lake Dam's design and operational details intriguing, from its buttress core type to the presence of one outlet gate. With the dam situated on the TR-Piney Creek, within the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, its role in water supply management and potential impact on the local ecosystem make it a significant subject of interest for those passionate about sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-PINEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

1200

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.