Herff Cornelius Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Herff Cornelius Dam 1, located in Matagorda, Texas, was completed in 1969 and serves the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 1900 feet, creating a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Situated on Live Oak Bayou, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural purposes in the region.

Despite being a privately owned structure, Herff Cornelius Dam 1 is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 14,190 acres, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. While it lacks a spillway, the dam features an outlet gate for water release when necessary, contributing to efficient water management in the area.

Although the dam's hazard potential is not available and its condition is not rated, it is categorized with a high risk assessment level of 2. With its strategic location and contribution to irrigation in the region, Herff Cornelius Dam 1 stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Matagorda, Texas.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

LIVE OAK BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

14190

Nid Storage

80

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.