Northwest Laterals Ws Scs Site 5a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Northwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5a Dam, located in Coleman, Texas, was completed in 1971 and is owned by the local government.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 57 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 9416 acre-feet and a normal storage of 200 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Situated on Elm Creek within the Fort Worth District, this earth dam with buttress core type covers a surface area of 36 acres and has a drainage area of 30.97 square miles. Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as high, emphasizing the importance of proper management and maintenance to ensure its stability and effectiveness in flood protection.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Northwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5a Dam remains a vital structure for the community, offering benefits beyond flood risk reduction such as fire protection, recreational opportunities, and support for fish and wildlife habitats. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of this dam's design, purpose, and management can provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation in the region.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

2631

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

57

Drainage Area

30.97

Nid Storage

9416

Structural Height

57

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

57
       
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.