Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 23 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 23 Dam, located in McLennan, Texas, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1964.
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Summary
Standing at 30 feet tall and spanning 1200 feet in length, this earth dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 580 acre-feet and a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves secondary purposes such as fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, irrigation, and more.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 23 Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its high hazard potential, with a risk assessment rating of 2, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures. While the dam lacks a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate to control water flow, serving as a critical component in the local water resource infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 23 Dam offers a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction and dam management. Its location along the TR-SOUTH FOR COW BAYOU stream, in the Fort Worth District, showcases the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and community resilience. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding the role of structures like this dam becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FOR COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.97 |
Nid Storage |
580 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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 23 Dam