Cowan Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brookshire Lake Dam Tom Clay Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cowan Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1972.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 629 feet, Cowan Dam has a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and is primarily an earth dam with a buttress core type.
Although the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is considered to have high risk potential. It does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. Despite not being regulated by the state, Cowan Dam undergoes regular inspections and is permitted by the state regulatory agency. The Fort Worth District of the USACE oversees this dam, ensuring that it meets safety guidelines and manages any potential risks associated with its operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cowan Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the region. Its design and purpose highlight the importance of sustainable water infrastructure and the need for effective risk management strategies to mitigate potential hazards. The collaboration between federal agencies, such as the USDA NRCS and the USACE, showcases the multi-faceted approach to dam management and underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical water resources.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
629 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mud Ck Nr Jacksonville
|
175cfs |
Neches Rv Nr Neches
|
271cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
243cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
70cfs |
Rabbit Ck At Kilgore
|
24cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
88cfs |
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.
Cowan Dam
Lk Palestine Nr Frankston