Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 25 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 25 Dam, located in McLennan, Texas, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 47 feet, has a capacity to store 321 acre-feet of water, serving a drainage area of 0.68 square miles along the TR-SOUTH COW BAYOU. The dam's spillway, with a width of 52 feet, is uncontrolled and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for water release.

Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment in 2017, the dam poses a moderate risk with a hazard potential that is not available. The last inspection conducted in 2014 highlighted the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety. With a moderate risk level, it is crucial for the local government owner and regulating agency, TCEQ, to implement appropriate risk management measures and emergency action plans to mitigate potential hazards and protect downstream communities and ecosystems.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure like the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 25 Dam to safeguard against flooding and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. By staying informed about the dam's condition, inspection frequency, and risk assessment, stakeholders can actively contribute to the preservation of this vital flood risk reduction structure in Texas.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH COW BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

0.68

Nid Storage

321

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.