Tradinghouse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tradinghouse Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a significant earth dam that stands at a height of 60 feet and stretches for 7,600 feet along Tradinghouse Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by designers Forrest and Cotton, the dam serves a crucial purpose in water resource management, with a storage capacity of 59,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 37,814 acre-feet. The dam's primary function is listed as 'Other', reflecting its versatile role in regulating water flow and providing flood control in the region.

Managed by a private owner, Tradinghouse Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam boasts a spillway width of 1,588 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 83,239 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control measures. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2014, Tradinghouse Dam is crucial for water supply, irrigation, and maintaining the ecological balance of the Tradinghouse Creek watershed.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Tradinghouse Dam to be a fascinating structure with a rich history and significant impact on the local environment. Its strategic location, impressive dimensions, and efficient design make it a key player in the sustainable utilization of water resources in McLennan County, Texas. As the dam continues to be monitored and maintained regularly, it stands as a testament to effective water management practices and the importance of infrastructure in mitigating the effects of climate change on water systems.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

7600

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

TRADINGHOUSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2012

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

59000

Structural Height

60

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

60
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.