Addicks Dam
Addicks Dam is a gravity dam located in Harris County, Texas, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Addicks Dam
The primary purpose of Addicks Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Usace - Galveston District (federal). It impounds the South Mayde Creek near Houston.
The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 61,166 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 199,643 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 136 square miles. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/06/2026.
At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Texas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Harris |
| Nearest City | Houston |
| River/Stream | South Mayde Creek |
| Coordinates | 29.79062, -95.62509 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Length | 61,166 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 199,643 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 199,643 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 136 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,850 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | USACE - Galveston District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 02/06/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX00018 |
| Federal ID | TX00018 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |