Olmitos And Garcias Crks Ws Scs Site 5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Olmitos and Garcias Creeks WS SCS Site 5 Dam, located in Starr County, Texas, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and spans a length of 3276 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 8848 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Garcias Creek and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 503 feet and outlet gates including a slide gate and two uncontrolled gates. The condition assessment of the dam as of January 2018 was rated as fair, with a moderate risk level assigned. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 99.9 square miles, and the dam serves purposes beyond flood control, including fire protection and wildlife habitat enhancement. With a moderate risk level and regular inspections in place, the Olmitos and Garcias Creeks WS SCS Site 5 Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between local government agencies and federal entities to address water resource challenges. With its strategic location and design, the dam not only mitigates flood risks but also contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, monitoring the condition and performance of dams like Olmitos and Garcias Creeks WS SCS Site 5 Dam is essential for ensuring the resilience of the water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
3276 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
GARCIAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
48 |
Drainage Area |
99.9 |
Nid Storage |
8848 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
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.
Olmitos And Garcias Crks Ws Scs Site 5 Dam