Lower San Saba River Ws Scs Site 7 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 7 Dam, located in Richland Springs, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Goens Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans a length of 3360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2392 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial component of the water resource infrastructure in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 7 Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway to handle maximum discharges of up to 89518 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for condition assessment, and its hazard potential remains unavailable. With a moderate risk level assigned, ongoing risk management measures are essential to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this critical water resource infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 7 Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, hydrology, and environmental stewardship. As a key element in the region's flood risk reduction strategy, this dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and natural resource management, showcasing the intricate balance required to safeguard communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

3360

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

GOENS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

8.2

Nid Storage

2392

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.