Valley Creek Ws Scs Site 15 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Valley Creek WS SCS Site 15 Dam, located in Taylor County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce the risk of flooding along TR-SPRING CREEK.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 1850 feet, providing a storage capacity of 689 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, serving the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, with a high risk assessment due to its hazard potential. However, the dam lacks a spillway and has not been subjected to regular inspections or maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term effectiveness and safety. With no emergency action plan in place, there are uncertainties about the readiness to respond to potential risks or failures. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Valley Creek WS SCS Site 15 Dam presents a case study on the importance of proactive management and monitoring of essential infrastructure to ensure community safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.86

Nid Storage

689

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.