Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 10 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 10 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a critical infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the North Cow Bayou.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches for 2150 feet, providing flood risk reduction and fire protection while also serving as a stock or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 1929 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.8 square miles, the dam has a spillway width of 101 feet to manage a maximum discharge of 2556 cubic feet per second.

Although classified as having a fair condition assessment as of 2014, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 10 Dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam features slide and uncontrolled outlet gates to manage water flow. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard surrounding communities and infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of dams like Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 10 in flood risk reduction and water management is crucial for sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

2150

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

NORTH COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

1929

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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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.