Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 20 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 20 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1964 for flood risk reduction along the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet with a length of 640 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 221 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains in good condition and has not been rated for risk potential.

The primary purpose of Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 20 Dam is flood risk reduction, although it also serves fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes. With a drainage area of 0.48 square miles and a surface area of 7 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam's design incorporates buttress core types for structural stability.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 20 Dam remains a key component of water resource management in the region. With a high risk assessment rating and no hazard potential currently available, this dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction infrastructure in Texas.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

221

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.