Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 1 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the South Fork Cow Bayou.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 1625 feet, providing essential flood risk reduction for the local community. With a storage capacity of 901 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the area from potential water-related hazards.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 1 Dam is designed to serve multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and flood risk reduction. Despite being rated as having a high risk level, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area. While the dam does not have a spillway, its key role in managing water flow and storage highlights its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the state of Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 1 Dam, its impact on the local ecosystem and surrounding communities cannot be overstated. With a drainage area of 1.51 square miles and a surface area of 24.5 acres, the dam's presence underscores the intricate balance between human development and natural water systems. By understanding and supporting the ongoing maintenance and regulatory measures for this critical infrastructure, stakeholders can contribute to sustainable water management practices and enhance resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1625 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
1.51 |
Nid Storage |
901 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Belton
|
27cfs |
Nolan Ck At S Penelope
|
38cfs |
N Bosque Rv At Valley Mills
|
17cfs |
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.
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