Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 22 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 22 Dam, located in McLennan, Texas, is a critical piece of infrastructure designed by USDA NRCS in 1964 for flood risk reduction along the TR-South Fork Cow Bayou.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 1250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 329 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.65 square miles. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and flood risk reduction for the local community.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the dam has not been rated for condition assessment and carries a high risk level. While the dam lacks certain safety features like a spillway, it plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. With its strategic location and design, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 22 Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 22 Dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As a key flood risk reduction asset in Texas, the dam showcases the ongoing efforts to balance water management needs with ecological considerations. With its rich history and functional design, the dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate resilience, and community safety.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1250 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
0.65 |
Nid Storage |
329 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
41 |
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 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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 22 Dam