Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 15 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 15 Dam, located in Hemphill, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Dry Fork Washita River.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 1625 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2504 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected, ensuring its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.
With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 15 Dam poses a significant hazard potential, making its maintenance and oversight crucial for local government authorities. The dam features a single slide outlet gate and lacks a spillway, emphasizing the importance of its structural integrity to prevent catastrophic failure. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, ongoing risk management measures are essential to mitigate any potential threats and ensure the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure.
As a key component in the region's flood risk reduction efforts, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 15 Dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the area. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and climate-related challenges, highlighting the significance of sustainable water management practices for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1625 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
DRY FORK WASHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
9.41 |
Nid Storage |
2504 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
44cfs |
Sweetwater Ck Nr Kelton
|
3cfs |
Sweetwater Creek Near Sweetwater
|
13cfs |
Washita River Near Cheyenne
|
8cfs |
N Fk Red Rv Nr Shamrock
|
3cfs |
Wolf Ck At Lipscomb
|
1cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 15 Dam