Escondido Creek Ws Scs Site 5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 5 Dam, located in Karnes, Texas, stands as a critical piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction along TR-Bucker Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam measures 29.5 feet in height and spans 2614 feet in length, providing essential protection for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 4321 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community against potential flooding events.

Maintained by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 5 Dam has undergone regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. In 2014, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory, and it has since been deemed to have a moderate risk level. With a spillway width of 152 feet and outlet gates equipped with a slide and two uncontrolled mechanisms, this dam is equipped to handle excess water flow effectively. The presence of this dam not only mitigates flood risks but also contributes to the overall water resource management in the region.

As a vital component of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area, Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 5 Dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal agencies, local government, and regulatory bodies in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. With its strategic location and design features, this dam stands as a reliable barrier against potential inundation, providing peace of mind to residents in Kenedy and beyond. The ongoing maintenance and inspection efforts underscore a commitment to proactive risk management and environmental stewardship, making this dam a cornerstone of water resource and climate resilience in Texas.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

2614

Dam Height

29.5

River Or Stream

TR-BUCKER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

29.5

Drainage Area

1.35

Nid Storage

792

Structural Height

39.7

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.