Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 17 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 17 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1964.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 33 feet and stretching 1000 feet in length, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond management, and flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 415 acre-feet, the dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 17 Dam is a key asset in the Fort Worth District's water infrastructure. Despite its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2, the dam's condition remains unrated, with no recent inspection data available. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently not documented, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of this important water resource infrastructure.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 17 Dam to be a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction and water management practices. With its strategic location on the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou, the dam serves as a critical line of defense against flooding while also supporting various ecological and agricultural activities in the region. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity grow, understanding the design, purpose, and management of structures like this dam becomes increasingly important for sustainable water resource management in Texas.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.79 |
Nid Storage |
415 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Belton
|
27cfs |
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
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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