Sommer Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sommer Lake Dam, located in Washington, Texas, was completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam, standing at a height of 34 feet, has a storage capacity of 302 acre-feet and primarily serves other purposes beyond flood control or water supply. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently not rated for its condition assessment, posing a potential risk to surrounding communities in case of failure.
Situated along the off-channel of the Brazos River, the Sommer Lake Dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. While it is not under state regulation or enforcement, the dam undergoes periodic state inspections and permitting processes. With a risk assessment rating of High (2), there is a need for the implementation of risk management measures and emergency action plans to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of residents in the event of a dam failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sommer Lake Dam stands as a significant structure that highlights the importance of proper dam maintenance and risk assessment in safeguarding our water resources and communities.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1720 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
OFF CH-BRAZOS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
302 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bee Ck Trib A At College Station
|
0cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Hempstead
|
1800cfs |
Bee Ck Main At College Station
|
0cfs |
Yegua Ck Nr Somerville
|
0cfs |
Davidson Ck Nr Lyons
|
0cfs |
Lake Ck Nr Dobbin
|
14cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sommer Lake Dam