Buffalo Camp Bayou Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Buffalo Camp Bayou Reservoir Dam, located in Brazoria, Texas, is a privately owned dam that was completed in 1954.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 9 feet and with a length of 245 feet, the dam serves a primary purpose of "Other," with a design featuring an Earth core type with buttress foundations. The dam has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

Despite its age, Buffalo Camp Bayou Reservoir Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and the hazard potential is listed as "Not Available." However, the risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a high risk level of 2. The dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any locks, with only one outlet gate listed. The last inspection was conducted in February 1982, indicating a potential need for updated safety and risk management measures for this critical water resource infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buffalo Camp Bayou Reservoir Dam represents a historical piece of infrastructure in Texas with a significant storage capacity. With the risk assessment indicating a high risk level and the lack of recent inspections, there is a need for further attention and potential updates to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial for stakeholders to monitor and address potential risks associated with aging infrastructure like Buffalo Camp Bayou Reservoir Dam to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the region's water supply.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

245

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

BUFFALO CAMP BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

600

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.