Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 11e Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11e Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-NORTH COW BAYOU.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 1350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its hazard potential is not available.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11e Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2014, indicating a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. The dam's spillway, with a width of 52 feet, helps control the flow of water during high discharge periods, ensuring the safety of downstream communities.

While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted every two years to monitor its structural integrity and functionality. The presence of slide and uncontrolled gates for water release highlights the engineering complexity of the dam, enhancing its operational efficiency. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 11e Dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in managing water resources and protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.6

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.59

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.