Lower San Saba River Ws Scs Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 1 Dam, located in McCulloch County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Richland Springs Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches for 3700 feet, providing essential flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6970 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flows and protecting downstream communities.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 1 Dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified with a moderate risk level, the dam's hazard potential is not available, indicating a need for further assessment and risk management measures. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam is well-equipped to handle excess water during heavy rainfall events, contributing to the overall resilience of the region's water resource infrastructure.
As a part of the flood risk reduction system, the Lower San Saba River WS SCS Site 1 Dam serves as a critical component in safeguarding the local community and environment from potential water-related disasters. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam continues to play a significant role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts along the Richland Springs Creek in Texas.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
3700 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
RICHLAND SPRINGS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
2.75 |
Nid Storage |
856 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brady Ck At Brady
|
22cfs |
San Saba Rv Nr Brady
|
3cfs |
San Saba Rv At San Saba
|
140cfs |
Pecan Bayou Nr Mullin
|
2cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr Stacy
|
1cfs |
Colorado Rv Nr San Saba
|
211cfs |
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.
Lower San Saba River Ws Scs Site 1 Dam