John T Montford Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The John T Montford Dam, located in Garza, Texas, stands as a testament to modern engineering and water management.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth dam on the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River serves primarily for irrigation purposes, but also offers recreation and water supply benefits. With a height of 141 feet and a length of 4150 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 354,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 2884 acres.

Managed by the City of Lubbock and designed by Freese and Nichols, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a spillway width of 1740 feet and the capability to discharge up to 363,480 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a moderate risk level according to assessments. Despite its satisfactory condition as of the latest assessment in November 2017, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are areas of potential improvement to enhance its overall safety and resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

Years Modified

2012 - Other

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

4150

Dam Height

141

River Or Stream

DOUBLE MOUNTAIN FORK BRAZOS R

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2884

Hydraulic Height

137

Drainage Area

394

Nid Storage

354500

Structural Height

141

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 7, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

141
       
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.