Bonham Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bonham Lake Dam, located in Columbus, Texas, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1978 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 464 feet, with a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-COLORADO RIVER, the dam serves as a vital source of recreation and wildlife habitat in the area, covering a surface area of 5 acres within its 0.47 square mile drainage area.
Despite being privately owned, Bonham Lake Dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. Although the hazard potential is currently labeled as "Not Available," it is rated as high risk (2) based on the data provided. The dam's condition is not rated, and there is no emergency action plan in place as of the last update in May 2021.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bonham Lake Dam an intriguing structure, showcasing the intersection of human engineering with environmental conservation. With its focus on creating a habitat for fish and wildlife, the dam represents a harmonious balance between human development and ecological preservation. As the dam continues to serve its purpose in the years to come, it stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
464 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COLORADO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
35 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Colorado Rv At Columbus
|
216cfs |
Redgate Ck Nr Columbus
|
1cfs |
Navidad Rv Nr Hallettsville
|
0cfs |
Colorado Rv Abv La Grange
|
497cfs |
Mill Ck Nr Bellville
|
8cfs |
Lavaca Rv At Hallettsville
|
0cfs |
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.
Bonham Lake Dam