Pepper Creek Main Stem Regional Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pepper Creek Main Stem Regional Detention Dam, also known as Wendland Farms Lake, is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Bell County, Texas.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 1400 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 256 acre-feet, providing essential water storage for the surrounding area.

Situated on Pepper Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring the safety of the local community. With a drainage area of 0.91 square miles, the dam has a spillway width of 321 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 5445 cubic feet per second. The dam has undergone structural modifications in 2016 to enhance its resilience and safety, with regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its fair condition and functionality.

Despite its moderate hazard potential, Pepper Creek Main Stem Regional Detention Dam continues to be a key asset for water management in the region. Governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and serves as an important example of sustainable infrastructure for climate and water resource enthusiasts.

Years Modified

2016 - Structural

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

PEPPER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.94

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.91

Nid Storage

256

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.