Goodson Branch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Goodson Branch Dam, located in Montgomery County, Texas, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by LJA Engineering Inc, this 15.5-foot tall structure on the Goodson Branch River provides a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a spillway width of 6 feet to manage excess water flow.

With a fair condition assessment as of June 2017, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2015 to ensure its safety and stability. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates and inspects the dam regularly, with a 5-year inspection frequency. The risk assessment for Goodson Branch Dam is moderate, indicating a potential for hazards that require active risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goodson Branch Dam serves as a vital recreational site in The Woodlands area, offering both leisure activities and a source of water storage for the community. The dam's history, design features, and ongoing maintenance efforts highlight the importance of proper infrastructure management in safeguarding water resources and environmental sustainability. As a key component of the local landscape, Goodson Branch Dam exemplifies the intersection of human-made structures and natural ecosystems in shaping water management practices in Texas.

Years Modified

2015 - Structural

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

GOODSON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

15.5

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

15.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.