Sanderson Canyon Ws Scs Site 9 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 9 Dam in Texas, owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure on the TR-THREEMILE DRAW river.


Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 52 feet and stretches 2,317 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2,155 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.2 square miles, it plays a vital role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 203 feet and outlet gates including a slide and two uncontrolled gates. The structure has been assessed as satisfactory in terms of condition and falls under a moderate risk category. While hazard potential information is not available, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The last inspection was conducted in August 2014, with an inspection frequency of 5 years, ensuring the safety and functionality of the dam for the surrounding community.

Overall, Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 9 Dam is a significant infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Terrell County, Texas. With its impressive dimensions, effective design, and regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. Its role in controlling water flow, storing excess water, and mitigating flood risks underscores the critical need for sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.



°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


15-Day Weather Outlook


Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

2317

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

TR-THREEMILE DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

4.2

Nid Storage

2155

Structural Height

52

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

52
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.