Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 18 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 18 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and stretches 1100 feet in length, providing essential flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 372 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.79 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting the community from potential flooding events.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 18 Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates for efficient water release during high flow conditions. While its hazard potential and condition assessment are not currently rated, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment level, the dam serves as a key component in the region's water resource management infrastructure and contributes to the overall resilience of the area against potential water-related hazards.
Overall, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 18 Dam exemplifies the importance of proactive flood risk reduction measures in safeguarding communities and water resources. With its strategic design, regulatory oversight, and operational protocols, the dam stands as a testament to effective water management practices in the face of climate challenges. As a critical piece of infrastructure in McLennan County, Texas, this dam plays a pivotal role in ensuring water security and resilience for the local environment and population.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.79 |
Nid Storage |
372 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
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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