Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 4 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 54 feet and has a length of 1775 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2890 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not rated, and its hazard potential is not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and maintenance.
The primary purpose of Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 4 Dam is flood risk reduction, although it also serves purposes such as fire protection, stock or small fish pond maintenance. While the dam lacks a spillway and has no locks, it plays a vital role in managing water flow along the Foster Branch. The dam's risk assessment is rated as high, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this essential infrastructure for the local community and environment.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 4 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the region. With its strategic location and design, this dam serves as a critical component of the water management system in McLennan County, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1775 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
FOSTER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Hydraulic Height |
54 |
Drainage Area |
5.25 |
Nid Storage |
2890 |
Structural Height |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
54 |
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 Elm Ck At Rosebud Rd Nr Meeks
|
0cfs |
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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 4 Dam