Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 16 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 16 Dam, located in Falls County, Texas, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risk along Lavalla Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 37 feet high and spans 1325 feet, with a storage capacity of 1516 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving additional functions such as fire protection, irrigation, and recreation for the local community.
Although the dam has not been inspected since September 1977, it remains regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While no spillway is present, the structure remains intact with a condition assessment of "Not Rated". Despite a high risk assessment level, emergency action plans and risk management measures are currently not available, highlighting the need for updated safety protocols and assessments to ensure the continued protection of surrounding areas from potential hazards.
As an essential component of water resource management in the region, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 16 Dam plays a significant role in safeguarding the community from flooding events and providing vital water storage for various purposes. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders involved.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1325 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
LAVALLA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
2.37 |
Nid Storage |
1516 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
105cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Highbank
|
221cfs |
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
10cfs |
Little Pond Ck Nr Burlington
|
0cfs |
N Elm Ck At Rosebud Rd Nr Meeks
|
0cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
3cfs |
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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 16 Dam