Running Water Draw Ws Scs Site 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Running Water Draw WS SCS Site 3 Dam, located in Plainview, Texas, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction and irrigation purposes along Running Water Draw. With a storage capacity of 18,499 acre-feet and a drainage area of 123.9 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam features a multi-arch core type and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 808 feet. It has a satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2018, and is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 11,387 cubic feet per second, providing important flood protection for the surrounding area. With its moderate risk assessment level, the Running Water Draw WS SCS Site 3 Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Parmer County, Texas.

Managed by the TCEQ and located in the Fort Worth District, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between federal and state agencies in regulating, inspecting, and enforcing dam safety protocols. With its strategic positioning along Running Water Draw, this structure not only mitigates flood risks but also supports irrigation activities in the region. The Running Water Draw WS SCS Site 3 Dam stands as a critical infrastructure for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in Texas.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

3250

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

RUNNING WATER DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

233

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

123.9

Nid Storage

18499

Structural Height

55

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

55
       
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.