Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 6 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 6 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, was completed in 1954 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Prather Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 58 feet and spans 1360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 930 acre-feet and a surface area of 17.5 acres. While the dam has a spillway width of 0 feet, it is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 0 cubic feet per second.

The dam is owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite not having an official hazard potential or condition assessment rating, the dam is considered to have a high risk level (2). With one outlet gate and a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 6 Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 6 Dam represents a key infrastructure project in Texas, showcasing the collaboration between federal and state agencies in managing water resources and reducing flood risks. As a significant structure along Prather Creek, this dam serves as a vital component of the region's water management system, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities from potential water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1360

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

PRATHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.5

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

1.99

Nid Storage

930

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

58
       
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.