Richland Creek Ws Scs Site 20a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richland Creek WS SCS Site 20a Dam, located in Limestone County, Texas, is a critical piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 1868 feet, providing a storage capacity of 767 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-ELM Creek and serves as a vital component in the flood risk reduction efforts within the region.

Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, with a high-risk assessment due to its potential hazard. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. While state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not specified. With its location in a high-risk area and no available inundation maps, continuous monitoring and maintenance of Richland Creek WS SCS Site 20a Dam are crucial to ensure the safety and protection of the surrounding communities and water resources.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Richland Creek WS SCS Site 20a Dam presents a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction and dam infrastructure management. With its unique design features and historical significance, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining critical water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. By staying engaged with developments at this site, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community safety.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1868

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65.8

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

767

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.