Cedar Creek Ws Scs Site 50c Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 50c Dam, also known as Old Terrell City Lake, is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Kaufman, Texas.


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Summary

Built in 1979 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 5275 feet along Waldrop Creek. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional functions including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, and recreation.

The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 3775 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 65 acres, serving a drainage area of 8.53 square miles. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 674 feet and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for water release. Despite being state-regulated by TCEQ and having undergone inspections, its hazard potential and condition assessment are not available or rated. The risk assessment for Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 50c Dam is moderate (3), indicating a certain level of risk that requires ongoing management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of essential infrastructure like dams, Cedar Creek WS SCS Site 50c Dam offers a compelling case study. With its historical significance and functional importance in flood risk reduction, this earth dam on Waldrop Creek in Terrell, Texas, provides valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities of overseeing critical water resources. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight by TCEQ and other agencies contribute to the broader conversation on water security and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

5275

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

WALDROP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

8.53

Nid Storage

3775

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.