Lake Houston Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Houston Dam, located in Harris County, Texas, was completed in 1954 and serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation, recreation, and water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the local government, the dam stands at 65.8 feet in height and spans a length of 12,097 feet, with a storage capacity of 281,800 acre-feet. Situated on the San Jacinto River, the dam plays a pivotal role in regulating the water flow and managing the drainage area of 2,828 square miles.

With a spillway width of 3,160 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 525,000 cubic feet per second, Lake Houston Dam has undergone modifications in 1988 to enhance its structural integrity. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation is supported by a network of outlet gates, including controlled and uncontrolled mechanisms. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, indicating the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term reliability in mitigating potential hazards.

Years Modified

1988 - Structural

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

12097

Dam Height

65.8

River Or Stream

SAN JACINTO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

12240

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

2828

Nid Storage

281800

Structural Height

66

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 2, Tainter (radial) - 2, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

66
       
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.