Escondido Creek Ws Scs Site 8 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 8 Dam, located in Karnes, Texas, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Olmos Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1957 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 32.6 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 2394 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 301 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2014.

This dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 3.95 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The structure has undergone modifications in 1967 and 1984 to enhance its functionality. Despite its moderate hazard potential, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in January 2017. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 8 Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

As a state-regulated structure under the oversight of TCEQ, this dam ensures the safety and security of residents in Kenedy by effectively mitigating flood risks and managing water flow along Olmos Creek. With a rich history dating back to the late 1950s, Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 8 Dam remains a critical component of the region's water infrastructure. The collaboration between local government and federal agencies, along with regular inspections and maintenance, highlights the commitment to safeguarding the community and the environment from water-related hazards.

Years Modified

1967 - Structural, 1984 - Other

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

2063

Dam Height

30.5

River Or Stream

OLMOS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

59

Hydraulic Height

32.6

Drainage Area

3.95

Nid Storage

2394

Structural Height

40.4

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 3

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.