Upper Pecan Bayou Ws Scs Site 18a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Upper Pecan Bayou WS SCS Site 18a Dam, located in Callahan, Texas, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS to primarily serve as a flood risk reduction structure along the West Prong Burnt Branch.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 4020 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4035 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam features two outlet gates for water release in case of emergency.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam is regularly inspected and meets state permitting requirements. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's hazard potential is currently not available, and its condition assessment remains unrated. Although the dam's emergency action plan status is unknown, its risk management measures are not specified, indicating a need for further evaluation of potential risks and preparedness protocols in case of emergencies. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Upper Pecan Bayou WS SCS Site 18a Dam offers a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure and the importance of effective dam management in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

4020

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

WEST PRONG BURNT BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

12.02

Nid Storage

4035

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.