Highlands Reservoir Dam
Highlands Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Harris County, Texas, built in 1944. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Highlands Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Highlands Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by San Jacinto River Authority (local government). It impounds the Off Ch-goose Creek near Mcnair.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 34,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 837 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,798 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1944, 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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/19/2020.
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 | Mcnair |
| River/Stream | Off Ch-goose Creek |
| Coordinates | 29.82380, -95.02877 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 34,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,798 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,798 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,864 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 837 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 698 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/19/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX03414 |
| Federal ID | TX03414 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |