Upper Brushy Creek Ws Scs Site 18 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Brushy Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam, located in Hutto, Texas, is a vital structure designed by USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along Carmel Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 35.6 feet and spans 2370 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1753 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, fire protection, and small fish pond maintenance, making it a crucial asset for water resource management in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of February 2018, with regular inspections every 5 years. The spillway, with a width of 141 feet, is uncontrolled, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 8594 cubic feet per second. In the event of emergencies, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) is currently being updated to ensure it meets guidelines and provides effective risk management measures.

With a moderate risk assessment rating and no hazard potential identified, Upper Brushy Creek WS SCS Site 18 Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water storage and flood protection for the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and operation of this dam will be essential in ensuring the safety and security of the community against potential water-related hazards.

Years Modified

2011 - Structural

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2370

Dam Height

35.6

River Or Stream

CARMEL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

35.6

Drainage Area

2.31

Nid Storage

1753

Structural Height

35.6

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.