Martha Houghton Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Martha Houghton Lake No 1 Dam is a privately owned Earth dam located on Romero Creek in Hartley County, Texas.
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Summary
Completed in 1930, this dam serves primarily as a water supply structure, with a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet. Standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching for 1000 feet in length, the dam is designed with a Buttress core type and a hydraulic height of 12 feet.
Despite being privately owned, Martha Houghton Lake No 1 Dam is regulated by the state of Texas, with permitting and inspection requirements in place. The dam is not considered to be in a condition that has been assessed, but it has been deemed to have a high risk level with a Hazard Potential rating of "Not Available". With no spillway and limited outlet gates, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unknown.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Martha Houghton Lake No 1 Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned water supply structure in Texas. With its historical significance dating back to 1930 and its current risk assessment indicating high potential, this dam raises questions about the importance of proper regulation, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
ROMERO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
192 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Martha Houghton Lake No 1 Dam