Escondido Creek Ws Scs Site 10 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 10 Dam, located in Karnes, Texas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1954.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 29.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 34 feet, providing essential protection to the surrounding area along the TR-ESCONDIDO CREEK. With a capacity of 1678 acre-feet and a normal storage of 200 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 251 feet and is equipped with two uncontrolled and one valve outlet gates. The structure has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment in 2017 deeming it to be in satisfactory condition. While the hazard potential is not available, the dam has a moderate risk rating of 3, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures. Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 10 Dam serves as a key component in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events and underscores the collaborative efforts between local and federal government agencies in managing water resources effectively.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 10 Dam presents an intriguing case study of successful flood risk reduction infrastructure in Texas. With its historical significance, structural details, and risk assessment insights, this earth dam serves as a prime example of responsible water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions. The dam's role in protecting the community along TR-ESCONDIDO CREEK underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and preserving the region's water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

2174

Dam Height

29.5

River Or Stream

TR-ESCONDIDO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.4

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

1678

Structural Height

46.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
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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.