Lower East Fork Laterals Ws Scs Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lower East Fork Laterals WS SCS Site 4 Dam in Kaufman County, Texas, stands as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Buffalo Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1953 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam reaches a height of 34 feet and a length of 1395 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 152 feet and a maximum discharge of 5247 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from flooding.

Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, the Lower East Fork Laterals WS SCS Site 4 Dam is regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The dam also serves multiple purposes including fire protection, recreation, and stock or small fish pond management. With a moderate risk assessment level, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and functionality of this structure, including regular inspections and emergency action plan preparations. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam represents a significant infrastructure project that plays a key role in water management and flood control in the region.

With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction and a history dating back to the 1950s, the Lower East Fork Laterals WS SCS Site 4 Dam remains a crucial component of the water infrastructure in Kaufman County. As a local government-owned structure, it continues to serve the community by providing essential water storage and flood protection capabilities. The ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts ensure that this dam remains a reliable asset for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area, making it a site of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

1395

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34.6

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

2.29

Nid Storage

1400

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.