Valley Creek Ws Scs Site 7 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Valley Creek WS SCS Site 7 Dam, located in Happy Valley, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at 36 feet high and spans 2150 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1386 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam does not have a spillway, indicating a unique design approach for managing water flow.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Valley Creek WS SCS Site 7 Dam poses a high risk level but is currently not rated for its condition. With one slide gate as its outlet control, the dam's inspection date was last recorded in May 2013. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's infrastructure and hydraulic height of 36 feet underscore its importance in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve into the details of Valley Creek WS SCS Site 7 Dam, its role in flood risk reduction and its impact on the local community become apparent. With a history dating back to the 1960s, this structure continues to serve as a crucial line of defense against the forces of nature. As discussions on water management and infrastructure development evolve, the Valley Creek WS SCS Site 7 Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve water resources in Taylor County, Texas.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
2150 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
3.65 |
Nid Storage |
1386 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cat Claw Ck At Abilene
|
1cfs |
Colorado Rv At Robert Lee
|
0cfs |
Cedar Ck At Ih 20
|
0cfs |
Clear Fk Brazos Rv Nr Noodle
|
7cfs |
Clear Fk Brazos Rv At Hawley
|
3cfs |
Elm Ck At Ballinger
|
0cfs |
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.
Valley Creek Ws Scs Site 7 Dam