Cook Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cook Levee, located in Harris County, Texas, along the TR-Buffalo Bayou, was completed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This private earth dam, with a height of 7 feet and a length of 2728 feet, serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region. The levee has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for state inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite its critical role in water management, Cook Levee has not been rated for condition assessment and is classified with a high risk potential. The dam lacks a spillway and associated drainage area, which adds to its risk profile. With no inundation maps prepared and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, there is a need for heightened attention to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance and management of Cook Levee to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure sustainable water resource utilization in the region.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

2728

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.