Nelson Lake Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nelson Lake Levee, located in Waller, Texas, near Houston, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1971 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 9 feet and spanning a length of 6500 feet, this levee has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 180 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in irrigation, the dam does not have a spillway and is rated as having a high risk potential, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance.

Managed by the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Nelson Lake Levee has not undergone any recent condition assessments, making its current safety status unknown. The dam's hazard potential is not available, and it is not rated for its condition. With no emergency action plan in place and limited risk management measures documented, there may be concerns about the levee's ability to withstand potential flooding events. The lack of updated information on inspection frequency and emergency procedures could pose challenges in ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

Given the importance of water resource management and climate resilience, stakeholders involved in the oversight and maintenance of Nelson Lake Levee should prioritize conducting regular inspections, updating emergency action plans, and implementing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Enhancing the dam's safety measures and ensuring its structural integrity will be crucial in safeguarding the surrounding community and maximizing the levee's effectiveness for irrigation purposes in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

6500

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

OFF CH-CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.