Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 29 Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Morey Dam Hanson Gss 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 29 Dam, located in Hemphill, Texas, is a crucial infrastructure project designed by USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the TR-Washita River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 1475 feet, providing significant flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 1272 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.52 square miles, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 29 Dam is categorized as having a high risk potential. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, indicating the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control. With a single slide gate as its outlet structure and no spillway, the dam's design focuses on flood risk reduction, underscoring its importance in protecting the local community from potential water-related disasters.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the role of structures like Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 29 Dam becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding against flooding and other water-related hazards. With a history of successful flood risk reduction and a high-risk potential designation, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in managing water resources in the region. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be key to ensuring its continued effectiveness in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1475 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WASHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
4.52 |
Nid Storage |
1272 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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 29 Dam