Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 11b Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11b Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a crucial infrastructure project designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 1150 feet, providing storage capacity of 550 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves secondary purposes such as fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.

This dam on the TR-North Cow Bayou is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as high, highlighting the importance of proper management and maintenance. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam is equipped with one outlet gate for controlled water release.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design of Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11b Dam, which plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. As a key part of flood control measures in McLennan County, this dam exemplifies the efforts of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities and infrastructure against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.4

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

0.87

Nid Storage

550

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.