Earnest L Johnson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Robert W Murphey Dam Holly Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Earnest L Johnson Dam, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this buttress-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 440 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Banita Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a surface area of 2.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.13 square miles.
Despite its importance in irrigation, Earnest L Johnson Dam does not have a spillway and is rated as high risk, with a hazard potential that is not available. The dam has not been inspected recently, and its condition assessment is not rated. While it does not fall under federal jurisdiction, the dam is regulated by the state of Texas and has undergone state permitting and inspection. With its strategic location and significant contribution to water management in the region, Earnest L Johnson Dam remains a vital infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities and supporting the local ecosystem.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Earnest L Johnson Dam serves as a fascinating example of how private ownership can play a crucial role in water management and irrigation. The dam's design and construction reflect the engineering ingenuity of its time, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with harnessing water resources for agricultural purposes. As discussions around water security and climate resilience continue to gain importance, Earnest L Johnson Dam stands as a reminder of the essential role that dams play in supporting sustainable water use and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BANITA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.13 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Lanana At Nacogdoches
|
9cfs |
E Fk Angelina Rv Nr Cushing
|
40cfs |
Angelina Rv Nr Alto
|
328cfs |
Attoyac Bayou Nr Chireno
|
1200cfs |
Mud Ck Nr Jacksonville
|
123cfs |
Ayish Bayou Nr San Augustine
|
196cfs |
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.
Earnest L Johnson Dam