Martha Houghton Lake No 4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Martha Houghton Lake No 4 Dam, located in Hartley, Texas, serves as a crucial water supply structure along Romero Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1971, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 550 feet, with a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for condition assessment, posing a high risk with a hazard potential that is not available.
The dam, with its primary purpose being water supply, does not have a spillway and is not regulated by the state. While it has passed state inspections, there is no state enforcement in place. With only one outlet gate, the dam's risk assessment is deemed as high, indicating potential management challenges. The surrounding area lacks inundation maps and emergency action preparedness, raising concerns about the overall safety and readiness in case of a dam failure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Martha Houghton Lake No 4 Dam intriguing due to its historical significance and the pressing need for improved risk management measures. As a critical element in water supply infrastructure, the dam's condition assessment, hazard potential, and risk assessment warrant further attention to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding area and downstream communities. Addressing these concerns and implementing necessary measures will be vital in safeguarding the integrity and functionality of this essential water resource structure.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ROMERO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Martha Houghton Lake No 4 Dam