Cow Hill Tank Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Indio Dam Twin Tank Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cow Hill Tank Dam, located in Zavala, Texas, was completed in 1971 and serves as a vital resource for Fish and Wildlife Pond purposes.
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Summary
This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 1500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with a single outlet gate for water management. Despite being classified as having a high risk potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for further assessment and risk management measures.
Situated along the TR-Gallina Slough, Cow Hill Tank Dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, stock, and small fish pond services in the region. The dam's primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats underscores its significance in the local ecosystem. Although it is not regulated by the state and lacks enforcement measures, the dam is subject to regular inspections and permitting, ensuring its operational integrity. With a Hazard Potential rating of Not Available, there is a need for improved risk assessment and emergency preparedness to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards.
As a key infrastructure in the Fort Worth District, Cow Hill Tank Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management in Texas. While the dam's risk potential and condition assessment remain unresolved, its contribution to local wildlife conservation and water storage cannot be understated. Moving forward, it is imperative for stakeholders to prioritize the dam's maintenance, monitoring, and risk mitigation efforts to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both wildlife and residents in the area.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GALLINA SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Leona Rv Nr Uvalde
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Bl Uvalde
|
1cfs |
Frio Rv Bl Dry Frio Rv Nr Uvalde
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Asherton
|
0cfs |
Sabinal Rv At Sabinal
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv Nr Derby
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cow Hill Tank Dam