Goodson Branch Dam

Goodson Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Montgomery County, Texas, built in 1975. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Goodson Branch Dam

The primary purpose of Goodson Branch Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wood Trace Mud 1 (local government). It impounds the Goodson Branch near The Woodlands.

The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 235 acre-feet. Completed in 1975, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/03/2023.

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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateTexas
CountyMontgomery
Nearest CityThe Woodlands
River/StreamGoodson Branch
Coordinates30.14749, -95.67808

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height16 ft
Dam Height16 ft
Dam Length800 ft
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage235 acre-ft
Max Storage235 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Max Discharge1,551 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerWOOD TRACE MUD 1
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection10/03/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDTX06033
Federal IDTX06033
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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