Northwest Laterals Ws Scs Site 20 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Northwest Laterals WS SCS Site 20 Dam, located in Gouldbusk, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to provide flood risk reduction along Bull Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet, with a length of 2100 feet and a storage capacity of 1637 acre-feet. While primarily serving the purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also supports fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, fish and wildlife habitats, and recreational activities in the region.

Owned and regulated by the local government with oversight from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam is inspected every 5 years to assess its fair condition and overall risk potential. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam's structure remains sturdy and reliable, with an outlet gate to manage water levels. The surrounding area benefits from the dam's presence, offering a surface area of 59 acres for various water-related activities within its drainage area of 8.87 square miles.

With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the Northwest Laterals WS SCS Site 20 Dam plays a crucial role in the water resource management of Coleman County, Texas. Its strategic location and design ensure the safety of the community from potential flooding events while also supporting local ecosystems and recreational opportunities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of such infrastructure in maintaining resilience and adaptation measures cannot be understated.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

2100

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

BULL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

59

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

8.87

Nid Storage

1637

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.