Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 3 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou.


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Summary

Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 38 feet high and stretches 1350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 932 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also supports fire protection, stock, and small fish pond activities in the area.

With a spillway width of 177 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 9216 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a critical role in managing water flow during heavy rainfall events. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam's hazard potential is not available, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

Overall, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 3 Dam presents an essential infrastructure component in the region's water resource management system. With its strategic location and design, coupled with state-regulated oversight, this dam continues to play a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local environment and inhabitants from potential water-related hazards. Its historical significance and functional capabilities make it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

932

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.