Horace Thomas Lake Dam dam
Horace Thomas Lake Dam
Horace Thomas Lake Dam in Grimes, Texas, is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969. This earth dam, standing at a height of 18 feet and stretching over 1010 feet, serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock and small fish pond management, and recreation. With a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Despite being non-regulated by the state, Horace Thomas Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the need for appropriate risk management measures. The dam currently lacks a condition assessment rating and Emergency Action Plan (EAP), raising concerns about its safety and preparedness in case of emergencies. With no spillway and limited inspection data available, further monitoring and assessment of this structure are essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
Located on TR-GRASSY CREEK, this dam presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to engage in discussions around dam safety, risk management, and sustainable water management practices. As the primary purpose of the dam extends beyond traditional water supply, its role in supporting various activities underscores the importance of balancing human needs with environmental considerations. With its unique design features and historical significance, Horace Thomas Lake Dam offers an intriguing case study for those interested in the intersection of infrastructure, water resources, and climate resilience.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Horace Thomas Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ck Nr Dobbin | 10 cfs | → |
| Bee Ck Trib A At College Station | 0 cfs | → |
| Bee Ck Main At College Station | 0 cfs | → |
| W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Huntsville | 1 cfs | → |
| Brazos Rv Nr Hempstead | 11,800 cfs | → |
| W Fk San Jacinto Rv Bl Lk Conroe Nr Conroe | 100 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Horace Thomas Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Texas 105 20000, Navasota
- Gibbon Creek Boat Ramp
- Scotts Ridge Swim Area
- Farm To Market 50 13508-13698, Brenham
- Conroe Boat Ramp 830
- Edgewater Drive 32210, Montgomery County
Track Horace Thomas Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Horace Thomas Lake Dam
Where does the data for Horace Thomas Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Not Available hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Horace Thomas Lake Dam.