The mighty Lake Houston Dam stands tall. It’s not just concrete and steel. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. A story etched in time.
Lake Houston Dam a marvel of engineering began its construction in November 1951. It wasn’t built overnight. Think of the sweat the grit the sheer determination of those who worked tirelessly for two years. The dam finally reached completion in December 1953. Imagine the pride the relief as the final piece was put in place.
The Ambursen Engineering Company designed the original structure. Elmer Gardner Construction Company and Swope Brothers were the general contractors. They faced challenges. They overcame them. They built something that would endure. Something that would serve Houston for generations.
In 1970 Brown and Root engineered modifications. Erosion control work was needed downstream of the dam. This was no small task. Think of the planning the precision involved in such a project.
Further repairs followed. Ebasco Engineering and Construction Company designed plans for dam reparations. LEM Construction was the contractor for the work performed in 1986 and 1987. These repairs ensured the dam’s continued functionality. Its lasting legacy as a crucial part of Houston’s infrastructure.
The dam itself is impressive. It’s a conventional Ambursen reinforced concrete slab. A buttress spillway section that stretches 3160 feet. The spillway’s crest sits at 41.73 feet above mean sea level. Water flows into a stilling pool. Two compacted earth-fill embankments flank the spillway. The left embankment stretches 4000 feet. The right embankment is even longer at 4600 feet with a maximum height of 48 feet. The dam’s top reaches 60.23 feet above mean sea level. Maximum design water surface is at 54.23 feet above mean sea level.
Water release is controlled by two tainter gates. Each gate measures 18 by 20.5 feet. They are strategically located between the earthfill section and the spillway. The tainter gate sill sits at 25.23 feet above mean sea level. The top of the gate is at 45.73 feet above mean sea level. This intricate system regulates the water flow. It ensures the balance between water supply and flood control.
Lake Houston Dam is more than just a dam. It’s a vital part of Houston’s history. A symbol of human resilience. A testament to the enduring power of collaboration and innovation. A structure that stands as a silent guardian. Protecting and nourishing this dynamic city.