Big Sandy Creek Ws Scs Site 5b Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Montague, Texas, the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 5b Dam is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Middle Fork Prairie Branch.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a high-risk structure with limited hazard potential information available, it serves multiple purposes including debris control, fire protection, irrigation, and stock or small fish pond maintenance.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 5b Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a normal storage capacity of 68 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.2 square miles, this dam not only helps mitigate flood risks but also contributes to water resource management in the region. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's structural integrity and operational efficiency are ensured through regular state inspections and enforcement measures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 5b Dam to be a fascinating example of a local government-led flood risk reduction infrastructure in Texas. With a primary purpose of flood control, this earth dam serves as a critical component in safeguarding the community against potential inundation events. Its history, design features, and operational details offer valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience at the local level, making it a noteworthy site for further exploration and study in the field.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE FORK PRAIRIE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
3.2 |
Nid Storage |
1400 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Belknap Ck Nr Ringgold
|
112cfs |
E Fk Little Wichita Rv Nr Henrietta
|
0cfs |
W Fk Trinity Rv Nr Jacksboro
|
1cfs |
Beaver Ck Nr Ringgold
|
145cfs |
Red Rv Nr Terral
|
200cfs |
Little Wichita Rv Abv Henrietta
|
0cfs |
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.
Big Sandy Creek Ws Scs Site 5b Dam
Lk Amon G Carter Nr Bowie