Lower San Saba River Ws Scs Site 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in San Saba, Texas, the Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 3 Dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along the TR-Richland Springs Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 4000 feet in length, providing critical flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 2106 acre-feet and a normal storage of 119 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the community from potential disasters.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and four outlet gates. Despite being assessed as "Not Rated" in terms of condition, the dam's hazard potential is deemed as "Not Available" with a moderate risk assessment level. While the last inspection date dates back to 2006, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, showcasing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the residents of San Saba.

With a drainage area of 5.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 40440 cubic feet per second, the Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 3 Dam remains a critical infrastructure for flood management in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water resources, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of resilient infrastructure and proactive measures to safeguard communities against the growing threats of extreme weather events and flooding.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

4000

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-RICHLAND SPRINGS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

5.4

Nid Storage

2106

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.