Cow Bayou Ws Scs Site 12 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 12 Dam, located in McLennan, Texas, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-NORTH COW BAYOU.
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Summary
Constructed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and spans 1485 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 660 acre-feet. Despite being rated as a high risk with a hazard potential not available, the dam has not been officially assessed for its condition and lacks emergency action plans.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 12 Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves secondary functions such as fire protection and creating small fish ponds. Although the dam lacks a spillway, outlet gates are in place to manage water levels, showcasing the engineering efforts to mitigate risks associated with the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of the Cow Bayou WS SCS Site 12 Dam as a key infrastructure in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region. The dam's location in Texas, under the jurisdiction of the Fort Worth District of the USACE, highlights the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies to safeguard communities and ecosystems from potential water-related disasters. Despite the lack of recent inspections and assessments, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing challenges and priorities in managing water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1485 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Drainage Area |
1.51 |
Nid Storage |
660 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
N Bosque Rv At Valley Mills
|
17cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Belton
|
27cfs |
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.
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