Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mustang Tank Dam Brown Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brown Dam, located in McMullen, Texas, along Cow Creek, is a privately owned earthen dam completed in 1955 primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 20 feet and a length of 3060 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 3200 acre-feet. Despite not having a spillway, the dam has one outlet gate for water release. While the dam has not been inspected since 1977 and its condition remains unrated, it is under the regulatory authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The dam poses a high risk, with a hazard potential that is not available for assessment. It is marked as a high-risk structure with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 2. The emergency action plan (EAP) for Brown Dam has not been prepared or updated, and there is no available information on risk management measures or inundation maps. The risk assessment for the dam remains a critical concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts, requiring attention and potential mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and stability of the structure and surrounding areas.
While Brown Dam serves as a vital irrigation resource in the region, its condition and risk factors warrant further attention and action to ensure the safety of the dam and the community it serves. With its location in a high-risk zone and lacking recent inspections or updated emergency plans, stakeholders must prioritize monitoring and maintenance efforts to prevent any potential hazards or emergencies related to the dam. Collaboration between regulatory agencies, private owners, and the community is essential in addressing the risks associated with Brown Dam and safeguarding its function and integrity for the future.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
3060 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
3200 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
0cfs |
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Choke Canyon Res Owc Nr Three Rivers
|
33cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Three Rivers
|
29cfs |
Atascosa Rv At Whitsett
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Brown Dam