Big Sandy Creek Ws Scs Site 43 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Wise, Texas, the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 43 Dam is a key structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at 48 feet tall with a length of 1435 feet, providing flood protection and storing 1280 acre-feet of water. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and has been inspected regularly, with a fair condition assessment as of April 2021.

With a spillway width of 123 feet and a maximum discharge of 2805 cubic feet per second, the dam on Blue Creek is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates for water management. The facility has a surface area of 14.5 acres and serves a drainage area of 3.24 square miles. While the dam is rated as having a moderate risk level, there are currently no inundation maps or emergency action plans in place. As a valuable asset for flood control in the region, the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 43 Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community and managing water resources effectively.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

1435

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

BLUE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.5

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

3.24

Nid Storage

1280

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

48
       
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.