Escondido Creek Ws Scs Site 12 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 12 Dam, located in Karnes, Texas, was completed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Bucker Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a length of 2300 feet, providing vital protection to the surrounding area. With a maximum storage capacity of 3418 acre-feet and a normal storage of 364 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and preventing potential flooding events in the region.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 12 Dam has been inspected periodically to ensure its structural integrity. With fair condition assessment reported in 2014, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 304 feet and can accommodate a maximum discharge of 12375 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2017, highlighting the importance of preparedness in case of any unforeseen events.

Overall, Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 12 Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, protecting the community from potential water-related disasters. With its strategic location and effective design, the dam plays a key role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Texas. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance and functionality of structures like the Escondido Creek WS SCS Site 12 Dam is crucial for sustainable development and effective disaster mitigation strategies.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

BUCKER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

11.9

Nid Storage

3418

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.