Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 26 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 26 Dam, located in McLennan County, Texas, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-SOUTH COW BAYOU.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and stretches 1150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 335 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.3 acres. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
With a fair condition assessment as of July 2016, Cow Bayou Dam is equipped with a slide gate and two uncontrolled outlet gates. The dam has a moderate risk level and a hazard potential that is not available, with inspection frequency set at every 5 years. Although the dam currently meets guidelines, it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency response and risk management measures.
Overall, Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 26 Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region, serving as a vital infrastructure for water resource management. Its strategic location and design contribute to the protection of surrounding areas from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition to ensure continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1150 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Drainage Area |
0.68 |
Nid Storage |
335 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Belton
|
27cfs |
N Elm Ck At Rosebud Rd Nr Meeks
|
0cfs |
Nolan Ck At S Penelope
|
38cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 26 Dam