Lower Plum Creek Ws Scs Site 38 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Plum Creek WS SCS Site 38 Dam, located in Caldwell County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Salt Branch river.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 1690 feet, providing storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 14,180 cubic feet per second. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates for efficient water management.

Despite being in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2016, the dam has a moderate risk level, prompting a regular inspection frequency of 5 years. The regulatory oversight of the dam falls under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Lower Plum Creek WS SCS Site 38 Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation events, highlighting the importance of proper infrastructure for water resource management in the face of climate variability.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1690

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

SALT BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

1993

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.
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