Refinery Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Refinery Dam, located in Howard County, Texas, is a private dam on the TR-Beals Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1976 by Forrest and Cotton, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a structural height of 36 feet and a length of 940 feet. With a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and a surface area of 28.22 acres, the dam serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, making it a vital water resource in the region.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Refinery Dam is regularly inspected and regulated by state authorities. Although its hazard potential and condition assessment are not available, the dam has a moderate risk rating. Equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and two outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 1690 cubic feet per second. Despite not being federally owned or funded, Refinery Dam plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

With a history of serving the local community for over four decades, Refinery Dam continues to be a key infrastructure for water storage and management in Howard County, Texas. As climate change impacts water resources, dams like Refinery Dam play a critical role in mitigating risks and ensuring water security for the region. As stakeholders work towards enhancing the dam's resilience and safety measures, its importance as a water resource for both urban and agricultural needs becomes increasingly evident in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

940

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-BEALS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.22

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.25

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.