Bison Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bison Dam, located on Hammond Creek in Houston, Texas, was completed in 1957 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private Earth dam, with a height of 28 feet and a length of 920 feet, has a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, making it crucial for agricultural water supply in the region. The dam, designed as a Buttress structure, has not been rated for its condition assessment, but its hazard potential is considered to be high.

Despite its age, Bison Dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion, with the last inspection taking place in October 1977. While the dam does not have a spillway, it does have one outlet gate. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as high, indicating potential safety concerns that need to be addressed. With its location in a region prone to climate variability and increasing water demands, the maintenance and management of Bison Dam will be essential for ensuring water resource sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

HAMMOND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.