Upper East Fk Laterals Ws Scs Site 5b Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Upper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 5b Dam, located in Rockwall, Texas, along Buffalo Creek, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 1850 feet, with a storage capacity of 2820 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, flood risk reduction, and recreation.

Managed by the TCEQ, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam is equipped with a slide gate and two uncontrolled outlets for water release, with a spillway width of 306 feet. Despite being rated in fair condition during its last assessment in 2015, the dam has a moderate risk level which necessitates ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.

With its strategic location and critical role in flood risk reduction, the Upper East Fk Laterals WS SCS Site 5b Dam serves as a key infrastructure asset in the region. As a significant component of the water resource management system, it highlights the importance of sustainable practices and effective regulation to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the long-term resilience of the area to climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

4.81

Nid Storage

2820

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.