Escondido Creek Ws Scs Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Karnes, Texas, the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 1 Dam stands as a testament to flood risk reduction efforts in the region.


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Summary

Constructed in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam spans 2300 feet and boasts a height of 28.3 feet, with a hydraulic height of 38.1 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6907 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Situated on Panther Creek, the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 1 Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events in the area. With a fair condition assessment as of August 2014, the dam is equipped with controlled and uncontrolled outlet gates to regulate water flow. Despite its age, the dam remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing essential flood protection to the community of Kenedy and beyond. As a state-regulated structure, the dam is subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the TCEQ to uphold safety standards and protect the surrounding environment.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management practices, the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 1 Dam stands as a symbol of resilience and proactive flood risk reduction measures. With a storage capacity of 1746 acre-feet and a surface area of 50 acres, the dam serves as a vital buffer against potential inundation and helps safeguard the livelihoods and properties of those living in the region. Supported by the expertise of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam represents a collaborative effort to address the evolving water resource needs in Texas and underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure solutions in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

28.3

River Or Stream

PANTHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

38.1

Drainage Area

3.03

Nid Storage

1746

Structural Height

28.3

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.