Lake Pennington Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dan Pennington Dam Bill Huff Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Pennington Dam, located in Houston, Texas, stands as a testament to the vital role of water resources in supporting agricultural irrigation.
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Summary
Completed in 1957, this earth dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 470 feet, serves as a critical water storage facility with a capacity of 300 acre-feet and a normal storage of 140 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, suggesting a need for further assessment to ensure its continued functionality.
With the absence of a spillway and limited information on its hazard potential, Lake Pennington Dam presents a potential risk, marked as high. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation underscores its importance in supporting local agriculture, while its association with the Pennington Branch emphasizes its significance in sustaining the region's water supply. As a privately owned structure, the dam's maintenance and regulatory oversight fall under state jurisdiction, highlighting the need for proactive management to address any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
While the dam's last inspection dates back to 1983, the lack of information on emergency preparedness and risk management measures raises concerns about the dam's resilience in the face of potential hazards. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to advocate for the regular assessment and maintenance of structures like Lake Pennington Dam to safeguard both water security and environmental sustainability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
PENNINGTON BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
3730cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood
|
3190cfs |
Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood
|
18cfs |
Neches Rv Nr Neches
|
271cfs |
Angelina Rv Nr Alto
|
449cfs |
Bedias Ck Nr Madisonville
|
38cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Pennington Dam
Houston County Lk Nr Crockett