Southwest Laterals Ws Scs Site 5a Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Southwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5a Dam, located in Concho, Texas, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1990 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 2,090 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 627 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains in good condition and is state-regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), with regular inspections and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
The primary purpose of the Southwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5a Dam is flood risk reduction, with a strong focus on protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. The dam features a slide gate outlet for controlled water release and has a hydraulic height matching its structural height of 24 feet. While there is currently no spillway in place, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service have proven effective in managing floodwaters and protecting downstream communities. With a high hazard potential rating and a risk assessment of 2 (on a scale of 1-5), ongoing risk management measures are essential to ensure the continued safety and reliability of this vital water resource infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Southwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5a Dam presents an intriguing case study of how earth dams can effectively mitigate flood risks in Texas. With its strategic location along Cottonwood Creek and its significant storage capacity, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential inundation events. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water flow in the region, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like this dam will be essential to ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
2090 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
2.39 |
Nid Storage |
627 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Colorado Rv Nr Stacy
|
1cfs |
Brady Ck At Brady
|
22cfs |
Concho Rv At Paint Rock
|
21cfs |
San Saba Rv At Menard
|
46cfs |
San Saba Rv Nr Brady
|
3cfs |
Elm Ck At Ballinger
|
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.
Southwest Laterals Ws Scs Site 5a Dam