Big Sandy Creek Ws Scs Site 14a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 14a Dam, located in Wise County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1997 for flood risk reduction along the Big Sandy Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam with a height of 33 feet and a length of 1024 feet serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, providing a storage capacity of 440 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1320 cubic feet per second. The dam is state-regulated by TCEQ, with inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk level, with a hazard potential and condition assessment currently not available, the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 14a Dam plays a critical role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. The uncontrolled spillway and four outlet gates allow for controlled water release during high flow events, while the dam's buttress core and rock-soil foundation provide structural stability. With a surface area of 14 acres and a drainage area of 0.88 square miles, this dam is a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Big Sandy Creek WS SCS Site 14a Dam represents a key piece of Texas's flood risk reduction strategy, with its design and construction overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. While the dam's risk level is moderate, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight by TCEQ ensure its continued functionality and safety. As part of the broader network of dams and water management structures in the region, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding and managing water resources in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

1024

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR-BIG SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

0.88

Nid Storage

440

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.