Cedar Creek Ws Scs Site 87a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 87a Dam, also known as New Terrell City Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Kaufman, Texas.


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Summary

Built in 1955 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Muddy Cedar Creek. With a height of 43 feet and a length of 4800 feet, this structure holds a maximum storage capacity of 20,147 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 840 acres.

The dam, managed by the local government, is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a fair condition assessment as of December 2016, the dam poses a moderate risk (level 3) and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The spillway, with a width of 558 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. Despite its age, the Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 87a Dam continues to play a vital role in flood risk reduction, fire protection, and recreational activities in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering feat of Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 87a Dam. The dam's association with the USDA NRCS and the Fort Worth District adds to its importance in water management and conservation efforts. With a drainage area of 14.33 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 23,228 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. Its strategic location along the Muddy Cedar Creek ensures the safety and well-being of the local community while providing opportunities for recreation and stock pond usage.

Years Modified

1969 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

4800

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

MUDDY CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

840

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

14.33

Nid Storage

20147

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

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.