House Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

House Lake Dam, located in Harris County, Texas, stands as a critical infrastructure for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam with a design height of 10 feet serves to store 120 acre-feet of water from the Off Ch-Cypress Creek. Despite its modest size, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam's purpose is solely for irrigation, with no spillway in place and a hazard potential listed as "Not Available." While the condition assessment is not rated, the risk assessment categorizes it as high, with limited information on risk management measures. The dam's location within the Fort Worth District and the oversight by TCEQ highlight the importance of protecting water resources and ensuring the safety of infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demand.

House Lake Dam may not be the largest or most high-profile structure, but its significance in providing water for agricultural purposes in the region cannot be understated. With a history dating back to the early 1960s and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that water resources play in sustaining communities and ecosystems, making it essential for enthusiasts and policymakers to monitor and protect such vital infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

OFF CH-CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.