Lake Scott Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Scott Dam in Childress, Texas, stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of TR-Scatterbranch Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1902, this private-owned Earth dam boasts a height of 33 feet and a length of 1010 feet, with a capacity of 490 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is well-maintained and regularly inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," serving a critical role in water management and flood control in the region. With a spillway width of 122 feet and uncontrolled outlets, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The condition of the dam is assessed as poor, indicating the need for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness.
Lake Scott Dam remains a testament to early 20th-century engineering and continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the area. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of structures like Lake Scott Dam in ensuring water security and flood protection will only grow, highlighting the significance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance of such critical infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1902 |
Dam Length |
1010 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SCATTERBRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
490 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 4, Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Lake Scott Dam