Cedar Creek Ws Scs Site 135a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Van Zandt, Texas, the Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 135a Dam is a critical infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1966 for flood risk reduction along the Coppers Branch river.


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Summary

With a height of 22 feet and a length of 1325 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, flood risk reduction, and recreation. Despite its high hazard potential rating, the dam has not been assessed for condition, and its emergency action plan status remains unknown.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Cedar Creek Dam stands as a key component in the water resource management of the region. With a normal storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 362 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water supply and flood control in the area. The absence of a spillway and limited discharge capacity highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital infrastructure.

As climate change brings about more frequent and severe weather events, the importance of structures like the Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 135a Dam in mitigating flood risks cannot be understated. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to adapt to changing environmental conditions and protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the maintenance and improvement of such infrastructure is crucial for building resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1325

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

COPPERS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

362

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.