Chambers Creek Ws Scs Site 31 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chambers Creek WS SCS Site 31 Dam, located in Alvarado, Texas, is a key structure along the TR-North Fork Chambers Creek, serving primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 3,884 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1,199 acre-feet. The dam's design incorporates stone as the core material and features various outlet gates for controlled water release.

Despite its critical role in water resource management, the dam's condition assessment in April 2021 deemed it unsatisfactory, posing potential risks that warrant attention. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) oversees the dam's regulatory aspects, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge of 7,284 cubic feet per second, the dam's importance in maintaining water supply and flood control in Johnson County cannot be understated.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the Chambers Creek WS SCS Site 31 Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management. Its proximity to the Fort Worth District and the North Fork Chambers Creek underscores its significance in the regional water network. With a notable history and ongoing challenges in its maintenance and operation, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water conservation, engineering, and environmental stewardship in Texas.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

3884

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FORK CHAMBERS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1199

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.