Cooling Water Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cooling Water Pond Dam in Matagorda, Texas, is a state-regulated earth dam designed with buttress core types.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 13 feet and a length of 7300 feet, this dam serves a primary purpose labeled as "Other" with a storage capacity of 673 acre-feet. Although the dam has a high risk assessment ranking of 2, it currently lacks a condition rating, posing some uncertainty about its structural integrity.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cooling Water Pond Dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in October 2017, aligning with a five-year inspection frequency. Despite its high risk potential, the dam's hazard potential is not available, leaving some ambiguity regarding the potential risks associated with the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and regulatory oversight of Cooling Water Pond Dam make it an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management.

Dam Length

7300

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Surface Area

84

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

673

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.
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