The Upper Lake Fork Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam, located in Hopkins County, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 1856 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1730 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. With a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Upper Lake Fork Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam has inspection and enforcement protocols in place to ensure its operational efficiency and safety. Despite the lack of a spillway, the dam's slide gate controls water release, maintaining a surface area of 104 acres and a drainage area of 2.9 square miles. With no recorded hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of high, this dam underscores the importance of proactive risk management measures in mitigating potential water-related emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Upper Lake Fork Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in safeguarding communities against flooding and ensuring sustainable water use for irrigation. As a key infrastructure in the Fort Worth District, this dam serves as a critical component in the region's water management system, highlighting the significance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and condition evaluations to uphold its functionality and protect the surrounding environment. With a history dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in balancing flood risk reduction and irrigation needs, emphasizing the importance of resilient water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1856 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REDDIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
104 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
1730 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |