Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 15 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 15 Dam, located in North Prairie, Texas, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1965 for flood risk reduction along the Long Branch river.
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Summary
With a dam height of 43 feet and a length of 3200 feet, it provides critical protection to the surrounding area, with a storage capacity of 3646 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 9520 cubic feet per second. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, recreation, and stock or small fish pond management, highlighting its importance in water resource management.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the TCEQ, the Cow Bayou Dam is inspected every five years and was last assessed as being in fair condition in 2016. Although its hazard potential and emergency preparedness information are not available, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, signaling the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With its uncontrolled spillway and two outlet gates, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and ensuring the safety of the local community.
As an earth-type dam with a buttress core, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 15 Dam exemplifies the collaboration between federal and state agencies in safeguarding water resources and managing climate-related challenges. Its strategic location in Falls County, Texas, underscores the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience, making it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
3200 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
LONG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
4.85 |
Nid Storage |
3646 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Brazos Rv Nr Highbank
|
213cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Little Pond Ck Nr Burlington
|
0cfs |
N Elm Ck At Rosebud Rd Nr Meeks
|
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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 15 Dam