Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 7 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 7 Dam, located in Hemphill, Texas, was completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Washita River.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet, with a storage capacity of 1013 acre-feet. Despite not having a spillway, the dam serves as a crucial structure in managing the flow of the river and protecting nearby communities from potential flooding events.

Managed by the TCEQ and regulated by the state of Texas, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 7 Dam is inspected periodically to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's high hazard potential rating indicates the importance of its risk management measures and emergency preparedness. With a drainage area of 3.47 square miles, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding both the environment and local infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events and increased water flow.

Although not rated for condition assessment, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 7 Dam remains a key asset for flood risk reduction in the region. Its strategic location and design, along with the efforts of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, contribute to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role and importance of dams like this one is essential in promoting sustainable water management practices and protecting communities from the impacts of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-WASHITA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

3.47

Nid Storage

1013

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.