Brownwood Laterals Ws Scs Site 19 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brownwood Laterals WS SCS Site 19 Dam, located in Brownwood, Texas, was completed in 1966 and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), this earth dam on Steppes Creek stands at a height of 43 feet and has a length of 1240 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1950 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 166 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 6261 cubic feet per second during peak flow events.

Despite being in fair condition according to the latest assessment in January 2018, the dam poses a moderate risk level. It is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for water release and has undergone inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in April 2017. While no emergency action plan (EAP) is currently in place, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and remains a crucial asset for managing water resources and protecting the community from potential flooding events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering design and operational aspects of this essential flood control structure in the heart of Texas.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1240

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

STEPPES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

5.2

Nid Storage

1950

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
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.