Paluxy River Ws Scs Site 11 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Erath, Texas, the Paluxy River WS SCS Site 11 Dam stands as a critical flood risk reduction structure along the TR-South Paluxy River.


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Summary

Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a buttress core type measures 41 feet in height and spans a length of 1025 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 457 acre-feet. Despite its vital role in mitigating flood risks, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 revealed unsatisfactory results, prompting concerns for its long-term functionality.

Managed by the local government of Bluff Dale, the Paluxy River WS SCS Site 11 Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). With a spillway width of 82 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1830 cubic feet per second, the dam's design includes one slide gate and two uncontrolled outlets. However, the absence of hazard potential and emergency action plans, as well as the moderate risk assessment rating, suggest a need for enhanced risk management measures to ensure the dam's continued reliability in the face of potential climate challenges.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the evolving conditions of the Paluxy River WS SCS Site 11 Dam, its significance as a flood risk reduction infrastructure in Texas underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight. With a history of service dating back to the 1980s, this dam serves as a critical component in the region's water management system, highlighting the intricate balance between infrastructure resilience and environmental protection in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1025

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH PALUXY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

1.39

Nid Storage

457

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

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.