Chambers Creek Ws Scs Site 78 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Chambers Creek WS SCS Site 78 Dam, located in Ellis County, Texas, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Coffee Branch.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and spans 1520 feet in length, providing essential debris control and flood risk reduction benefits to the region. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), this dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.
With a storage capacity of 1024 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 117 acre-feet, Chambers Creek WS SCS Site 78 Dam serves as a critical water resource for the region, covering a drainage area of 2.21 square miles. Despite being categorized as a high-risk structure, its hazard potential and condition assessment remain unreported, raising questions about the need for further inspection and maintenance. As a non-USACE dam, it operates without a spillway, relying on its structural integrity and outlet gates to manage water levels effectively.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, the importance of structures like Chambers Creek WS SCS Site 78 Dam cannot be overstated. With a focus on flood risk reduction and community safety, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between government agencies and designers to protect and preserve vital water sources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
1520 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
COFFEE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
2.21 |
Nid Storage |
1024 |
Structural Height |
53 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
53 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Chambers Creek Ws Scs Site 78 Dam