Southwest Laterals Ws Scs Site 5b Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Southwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5b Dam, located in Salt Gap, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1987, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a structural height of 41 feet and a length of 2585 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 740 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), this dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but is considered to have a high risk level. With a single slide gate as its outlet, the dam does not have a spillway and is not equipped with locks. Despite not having an inundation map prepared or an emergency action plan in place, this structure plays a vital role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
While Southwest Laterals WS SCS Site 5b Dam may not have all the modern features and assessments in place, its presence is crucial for the local community's safety and well-being. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and monitoring the condition of such structures is essential to ensure their continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and preserving the environment.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
2585 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
1.87 |
Nid Storage |
740 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
41 |
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 5b Dam