Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 20 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 20 Dam, located in Wheeler County, Texas, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at 32 feet tall and stretches 1670 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1654 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is state regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ensuring its structural integrity and functionality.
The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, focusing on the protection of the surrounding area from potential water disasters. While the dam lacks a spillway, it is equipped with a slide gate for controlled water release. With a drainage area of 5.03 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 133 acre-feet, the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 20 Dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and safeguarding the community from the impact of floods.
Although the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment are not currently available, its risk assessment is classified as high, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With Mac Thornberry representing the district in Congress, efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dam are likely to be supported. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like the Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 20 Dam is crucial in mitigating environmental risks and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1670 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GAGEBY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
5.03 |
Nid Storage |
1654 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sweetwater Ck Nr Kelton
|
3cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
44cfs |
N Fk Red Rv Nr Shamrock
|
3cfs |
Sweetwater Creek Near Sweetwater
|
13cfs |
Washita River Near Cheyenne
|
8cfs |
Wolf Ck At Lipscomb
|
1cfs |
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.
Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 20 Dam