Simon Freese Dam
Simon Freese Dam is a concrete dam located in Coleman County, Texas, built in 1989. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Simon Freese Dam
The primary purpose of Simon Freese 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 Colorado River Municipal Water District (local government). It impounds the Colorado River.
The dam stands 149 feet tall and stretches 9,950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19,149 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,235,813 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11,500 square miles. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 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 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 01/09/2024.
At 149 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Coleman |
| River/Stream | Colorado River |
| Coordinates | 31.50046, -99.66736 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 149 ft |
| Dam Height | 149 ft |
| Dam Length | 9,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,235,813 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,235,813 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 554,340 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19,149 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11,500 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,947,001 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | COLORADO RIVER MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/09/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX06386 |
| Federal ID | TX06386 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |