Sulphur Creek Ws Scs Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sulphur Creek WS SCS Site 4 Dam, located in Lampasas, Texas, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1960.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 85 feet and spanning 2667 feet in length, this earth dam on Pillar Bluff Creek serves as a protective barrier for the surrounding area, with a storage capacity of 7190 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 803 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.

Maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Sulphur Creek WS SCS Site 4 Dam is in fair condition, as assessed in September 2017. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Equipped with emergency outlet gates and a comprehensive risk management plan, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the local community from flooding events and maintaining the overall water resource management in Burnet County.

As a part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Texas, Sulphur Creek WS SCS Site 4 Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic design and state-regulated maintenance, this dam serves as a vital asset in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential hazards, while also contributing to the sustainable use of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive infrastructure investment and regulatory oversight in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2667

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

PILLAR BLUFF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

53

Hydraulic Height

85

Drainage Area

16.5

Nid Storage

7190

Structural Height

85

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

85
       
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.