Olmitos And Garcias Crks Ws Scs Site 3 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Olmitos and Garcias Creeks Watershed SCS Site 3 Dam, located in Starr County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Garcias Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches over 2,300 feet, with a storage capacity of 2,930 acre-feet and a drainage area of 41.8 square miles. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock and small fish pond, fish and wildlife habitat, and flood risk reduction.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam features an uncontrolled spillway, slide gates, and sluice gates to manage water flow. The structure is inspected every 5 years, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks in the area, the dam's hazard potential, condition assessment, and emergency preparedness are currently not available or rated. With Henry Cuellar as the Congressional representative overseeing the region, efforts to ensure the dam's safety and functionality continue to be a priority for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
2317 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
GARCIAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
81 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
41.8 |
Nid Storage |
2930 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
Los Olmos Ck Nr Falfurrias
|
0cfs |
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 3 Dam