Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 13 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 13 Dam, located in Hemphill, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Washita River.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this Earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 1700 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1954 acre-feet and a normal storage of 193 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for condition but is classified with a high risk potential.

Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with a single slide gate for outlet control. The structure falls under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for regulation, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 8.29 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources within the region and protecting against potential flooding events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 13 Dam to be an intriguing example of engineering for flood control in the Texas landscape.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-WASHITA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31.5

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

8.29

Nid Storage

1954

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.