Ratcliff Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ratcliff Lake, located in Houston, Texas, is a captivating water resource managed by the Forest Service for fish and wildlife conservation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam, completed in 1936, stands at a height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The lake sits on a tributary to Cochino Bayou, covering a drainage area of 19 square miles.

Despite its high hazard potential, Ratcliff Lake has not been recently assessed for its condition. However, the dam's spillway type is controlled, with a width of 142 feet to manage a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. The emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures for the dam are currently unspecified. The picturesque setting of Ratcliff Lake offers a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of natural beauty and infrastructure in Texas.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TRIB TO COCHINO BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

19

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.