Upper Washita River Ws Scs Site 17b Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 17b Dam, located in Wheeler County, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on TR-Gageby Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches 875 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 359 acre-feet. Despite being a buttress-type dam with a slide outlet gate, it currently lacks a spillway, presenting a potential hazard that has been classified as high risk.

The dam, under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), serves as a critical component of water resource management in the area, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. However, with no recent condition assessment and a lack of updated emergency preparedness measures, concerns about its safety and resilience in the face of extreme weather events are raised. It is essential for local government authorities to prioritize inspection, maintenance, and potential enhancements to ensure the continued effectiveness and safety of Upper Washita River WS SCS Site 17b Dam, especially in the context of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

875

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-GAGEBY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.7

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

359

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.