Olmitos And Garcias Crks Ws Scs Site 6 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Olmitos and Garcias Creeks Watershed SCS Site 6 Dam, located in Starr County, Texas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1962.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans a length of 2083 feet, with a storage capacity of 3147 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock and small fish pond, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, and flood risk reduction for the surrounding area.

The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a fair condition assessment as of January 2018, the dam has a moderate risk rating and is equipped with uncontrolled and valve outlet gates to manage water levels during high flow events. The dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, protecting communities from flooding, and providing habitat for diverse wildlife species in the El Gato Creek watershed.

As a key infrastructure project in the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Olmitos and Garcias Creeks Watershed SCS Site 6 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies and local stakeholders in water resource management. With its strategic location and effective design, the dam serves as a model for sustainable flood risk reduction and ecosystem protection in the region, highlighting the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to address the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2083

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

EL GATO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

16.1

Nid Storage

3147

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

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.