Comal River Ws Scs Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Comal River WS SCS Site 4 Dam, located in New Braunfels, Texas, is a vital structure designed and owned by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Bear Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 73 feet high and spans 1600 feet, providing essential flood risk reduction, grade stabilization, and water supply functions to the area. With a storage capacity of 5293 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 200 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 383 feet, ensuring efficient water discharge during peak flow events. Inspected periodically by the TCEQ and rated in fair condition as of April 2021, the Comal River WS SCS Site 4 Dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. With a moderate risk assessment level and a history of meeting regulatory guidelines, this structure exemplifies sustainable water resource management practices and highlights the importance of infrastructure in adapting to changing climate conditions.

As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in Comal County, the Comal River WS SCS Site 4 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities from natural disasters. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, this dam represents a critical investment in water resource management and climate resilience for the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

73

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.3

Hydraulic Height

73

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

5293

Structural Height

73

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

73
       
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.