Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 28 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 28 Dam, located in Hemphill, Texas, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Washita River.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 1475 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1956 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.1 square miles. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, and its hazard potential and risk assessment are marked as "Not Available" and "High (2)" respectively.
Managed by the Local Government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 28 Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a single slide gate for outlet control and no spillway, the dam's operational and emergency response protocols are not clearly defined, raising concerns about its readiness in the face of a high-risk scenario. As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for thorough inspection, maintenance, and risk management measures for this aging infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 28 Dam offers a compelling case study on the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience. As discussions around dam safety, maintenance, and emergency preparedness continue to evolve, this site presents an opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing climate landscape. By examining the data and regulatory framework surrounding this dam, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the complexities of safeguarding critical water infrastructure in the face of growing climate uncertainties.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1475 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WASHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
4.1 |
Nid Storage |
1956 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sweetwater Ck Nr Kelton
|
3cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
44cfs |
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 28 Dam