Southeast Laterals Ws Scs Site 8a-1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Southeast Laterals WS SCS Site 8a-1 Dam, located in San Saba, Texas, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Wilbarger Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 1840 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 2020 acre-feet for floodwaters. The dam's spillway, with a width of 162 feet, serves as an uncontrolled outlet to manage the peak discharge of 5053 cubic feet per second during heavy rainfall events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Southeast Laterals WS SCS Site 8a-1 Dam has undergone recent inspections indicating an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021. With a moderate risk rating of 3, there is a need for enhanced risk management measures to ensure the dam's structural integrity and public safety. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of such infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding communities underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts for sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

1840

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-WILBARGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

5.05

Nid Storage

2020

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.