Addicks Reservoir, Flood control reservoir in Harris County, Texas
Addicks Reservoir is a flood control reservoir in Harris County, Texas, formed by a long rolled earthen embankment. The flat grounds spread across wide grasslands and scattered tree clusters that sit behind raised levees.
The dam project emerged after severe flooding in the 1930s, when the federal government authorized construction of water retention structures in the Buffalo Bayou basin. Work finished in the late 1940s and the basin began its role protecting downstream neighborhoods.
The earthen dam takes its name from two early settler families in the area, whose legacy remains tied to this rural past. Walkers and cyclists follow trails along the flat shores, where birds move between the trees.
Access is available through several public entry points along the outer boundaries, with parking near trailheads and overlooks. The grounds are best explored during dry seasons, as water levels fluctuate after rainfall.
During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, water levels reached a record peak and flooded hundreds of homes built within the dam boundaries. This event triggered legal proceedings over responsibility for damage to private property inside the flood zone.
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