Barker Reservoir


Barker Reservoir is a flood control structure in Houston, Texas which prevents downstream flooding of Buffalo Bayou, the city's principal river. The reservoir operates in conjunction with Addicks Reservoir to the northeast, which impounds Mayde and Bear Creeks, two tributaries of the Buffalo. Both reservoirs were authorized under the Rivers and Harbors Act of June 20, 1938, which were modified by the Flood Control Acts of August 11, 1938; September 3, 1954; and October 27, 1965.
George Bush Park, operated by Harris County, is located entirely within the reservoir.
Houston annexed the Addicks area in 1972.

Location

Barker Reservoir is southwest of the intersection of Interstate 10 and State Highway 6, about one mile south of Addicks in western Harris County.
The Barker Reservoir spillway is located at.
The Barker Dam and Reservoir is named for Eldred Barker, an early pioneer from Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, whose 1839 Headright Grant comprises 320 acres of the site which was first surveyed on September 22, 1842.

Construction

Barker Reservoir is formed by a rolled earthen dam long. A gravel road extends along the top of the dam. The top of the dam has a maximum elevation of above the N.G.V.D. and is 36 feet high in places. The maximum storage capacity of the reservoir is, Combined with the adjacent Addicks Reservoir to the northeast, the total storage capacity is about.
From 2008 to 2014, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District implemented $4.4 million in interim risk reduction measures to address deficiencies until long-term solutions could be identified and executed. In 2014, staff completed a Dam Safety Modification Study to evaluate long-term repairs and address issues associated with the dams. Staff presented this information during a public meeting October 29 at Bear Creek Community Center in Houston to discuss these plans and gather feedback. Construction is scheduled to begin May 2015 with an estimated completion date of 2019.

Benefits

It is estimated the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, along with other federal construction projects on Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries, will prevent average annual flood damages of $16,372,000 to the city of Houston.