Plum Creek Ws Scs Site 16 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Plum Creek WS SCS Site 16 Dam, located in Lockhart, Texas, is a vital structure owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans 2250 feet, with a storage capacity of 3642 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving the Elm Creek watershed with a drainage area of 5.05 square miles.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Plum Creek WS SCS Site 16 Dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021. The dam features uncontrolled and valve outlets, with a spillway width of 453 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 9786 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been updated with inundation maps or risk management measures, highlighting an area for potential improvement to enhance its overall resilience to climate challenges.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Plum Creek WS SCS Site 16 Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management. With its strategic location and critical flood risk reduction role, this dam serves as a key component in the water management system of Hays County, Texas. As stakeholders continue to monitor and maintain this essential structure, consideration of updated risk assessment tools and emergency action plans could further bolster its resilience in the face of evolving climate conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

2250

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

5.05

Nid Storage

3642

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
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.