Dry Devils And Lowrey Ws Scs Site 5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Dry Devils and Lowrey WS SCS Site 5 Dam, located in Sutton County, Texas, along the Meckel Draw river, was completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This local government-owned dam stands at a height of 52 feet with a length of 2346 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the area. The dam has a storage capacity of 9610 acre-feet and a normal storage of 199 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 41 acres and serving a drainage area of 23.5 square miles.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam is state-regulated with permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 354 feet, and it has one slide gate and two uncontrolled outlets. The condition assessment in 2021 rated the dam as fair, with a moderate risk level of 3. While the hazard potential is not available, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan may need updating to align with current guidelines.

This earth dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the region. With its strategic location and design, it provides valuable flood protection while also supporting the local ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Dry Devils and Lowrey WS SCS Site 5 Dam are essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2346

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

MECKEL DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

23.5

Nid Storage

9610

Structural Height

52

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

52
       
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.