Lower Brushy Creek Ws Scs Site 20 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Thorndale, Texas, the Lower Brushy Creek WS SCS Site 20 Dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to serve the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 1200 feet, with a storage capacity of 992 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Berry Branch river and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring its integrity through regular inspections and enforcement measures.

With a drainage area of 1.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 9810 cubic feet per second, the Lower Brushy Creek WS SCS Site 20 Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 86 feet and outlet gates including a slide gate and two uncontrolled gates. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam is subject to moderate risk (3) according to a risk assessment, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the community and surrounding areas from potential hazards.

As a key infrastructure owned by the local government, the Lower Brushy Creek WS SCS Site 20 Dam demonstrates a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond maintenance, in addition to flood risk reduction. By upholding state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, this dam exemplifies the proactive approach necessary for sustainable water resource management in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

BERRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

992

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

27
       
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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.