East Fork Above Lavon Ws Scs Site 8a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The East Fork Above Lavon WS SCS Site 8a Dam, located in McKinney, Texas, is a key structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Haw Branch river.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet with a length of 1688 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1795 acre-feet and serving multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and recreation.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the dam is inspected every 5 years and currently has a fair condition assessment. Equipped with a spillway width of 130 feet and outlet gates including a slide and two uncontrolled gates, the East Fork Dam is designed to handle moderate risk levels in case of emergencies. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the East Fork Above Lavon WS SCS Site 8a Dam serves as a fascinating example of sustainable infrastructure that has stood the test of time. With its strategic location and design, this dam showcases the importance of proactive measures in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in a dynamic environment like Texas. Its history, design features, and ongoing maintenance efforts make it a valuable asset in the region's water management system.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1688

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

HAW BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

3.71

Nid Storage

1795

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
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.