Deep beneath the surface of Lake Houston lies a story. It is a story of engineering ingenuity and a vital water source for Houston. Today we are standing before the Blue Lake Dam. It is a structure that holds back the waters of Lake Houston.
Blue Lake Dam’s story is intertwined with that of Lake Houston itself. The lake is a reservoir on the San Jacinto River. It is located just 15 miles northeast of downtown Houston. Lake Houston serves as Houston’s primary municipal water supply.
The creation of Lake Houston and Blue Lake Dam dates back to 1953. At that time, the City of Houston constructed the dam. Its purpose was to impound a reservoir. This new reservoir would replace Sheldon Lake. Sheldon Lake was then the city’s main water source.
Now, let’s delve into some fascinating facts about the Blue Lake Dam. Lake Houston Dam’s NID ID is TX03416. Its coordinates pinpoint its location at Longitude -95.1317 and Latitude 29.9191. The dam is in Harris County. Magnolia Gardens is the nearest city. It is just 3 miles away. The City of Houston owns the dam.
The dam’s design is a testament to collaborative engineering. Ebasco Engineering and Const and Ambursen Engineering were involved. Construction finished in 1954. Modifications occurred in 1988. The dam stretches an impressive 12,097 feet in length. Its height is 65.79 feet.
Blue Lake Dam can discharge a maximum of 525,000 cubic feet of water per second. It can hold a maximum storage of 281,800 acre-feet. The normal storage is 146,700 acre-feet. The lake’s surface area spans 12,240 acres. The drainage area covers 2,828 square miles. The dam’s hazard potential is rated as high. An emergency action plan is in place. Inspections occur every five years. The TCEQ regulates the dam at the state level.
The spillway is uncontrolled. Its width extends 3,160 feet. Outlet gates include O2, T2, and U1. Lake Houston’s main body lies between the dam. It stretches to the confluence of the West and East Forks of the San Jacinto River. The lake has a storage capacity of 134,122 acre-feet. This encompasses a surface area of 11,282 acres. The drainage basin covers about 2,828 square miles. Conroe Dam controls 445 square miles.
The creation of Lake Houston led to a significant change. The city sold Sheldon Lake to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It became a waterfowl sanctuary and public fishing site. In 1956, the City of Houston annexed the Lake Houston area. This included a 22.5-mile canal.
Lake Houston has various recreational uses. Boating and fishing are popular activities. Lake Houston Wilderness Park is at the lake’s northern end. It offers rental cabins, camping facilities, a kayak launch, and trails.
Now, remember that releasing water from a dam can happen without warning. This can cause significant downstream flow increases in seconds. Warning systems are in place at dams. Horns sound before water releases. Strobe lights activate before electricity generation. Warning signs advise visitors to stay clear of hazardous areas.
As we stand here at Blue Lake Dam, we recognize its importance. It is a source of water and a place for recreation. The dam stands as a testament to engineering. Remember the stories and the warnings. The Blue Lake Dam is vital to Houston’s past, present, and future.