Magnolia Springs Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Situated in Jasper, Texas, the Magnolia Springs Dam stands as a crucial structure for irrigation purposes along Mill Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this earth dam with a buttress core reaches a height of 12 feet and spans 600 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains under state regulation and inspection by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring its safe operation and enforcement of necessary measures.

With a hazard potential labeled as "Not Available" and a risk assessment rating of "High (2)", the Magnolia Springs Dam poses significant challenges in terms of managing potential risks and ensuring public safety. Despite lacking a spillway and having limited information on its condition assessment, the dam continues to be a vital component for sustaining irrigation needs in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve into the intricacies of dam infrastructure, the Magnolia Springs Dam presents a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of managing water resources in a changing climate.

As discussions around risk management and emergency preparedness continue, the fate of the Magnolia Springs Dam remains uncertain without clear guidelines on its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and mitigation strategies. With its location in the Galveston District and under state jurisdiction, the dam serves as a focal point for ongoing efforts to address the challenges of aging infrastructure and potential hazards associated with its operation. As enthusiasts closely monitor developments surrounding the dam, they are reminded of the critical role that such structures play in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.