Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 11c Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11c Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a vital water resource infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1964 for flood risk reduction along the TR-North Cow Bayou.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 1350 feet, with a storage capacity of 486 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, the dam also serves fire protection, stock or small fish pond, and irrigation needs in the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cow Bayou Dam is equipped with two uncontrolled outlet gates, a spillway width of 50 feet, and a drainage area of 0.75 square miles. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 1748 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective water management during heavy rain events. While the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are currently not available, it is classified as having a moderate risk level, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency.

Overall, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11c Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, supporting agricultural activities, flood control, and water supply needs. With its strategic location and design features, this earth dam serves as a key infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in McLennan County, Texas. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of this dam in safeguarding both the local ecosystem and community against water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.75

Nid Storage

486

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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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.