Brownwood Laterals Ws Scs Site 21 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 21 Dam, located in Brownwood, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1966 for flood risk reduction along the East Fork Steppes Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 44 feet and a length of 950 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,715 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, irrigation, and stock or small fish pond management.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Brownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 21 Dam is in fair condition and undergoes inspections every five years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled outlet gates to manage water release. Despite the moderate hazard potential, the risk of failure is actively managed to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community. With its strategic location and functional design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

EAST FORK STEPPES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

44

Nid Storage

1715

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
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.