Cow Bayou Ws Scs Gss 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cow Bayou WS SCS Gss 1 is a crucial water resource infrastructure located in McLennan, Texas, designed by USDA NRCS to address flood risk reduction along the North Cow Bayou.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and a length of 880 feet, with a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet. Despite its essential role in managing floodwaters, the dam is currently not rated for condition assessment, posing potential risks due to lack of inspection and maintenance.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Cow Bayou WS SCS Gss 1 has not undergone recent inspections or risk assessments, leading to a high risk classification. With no spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, there is a pressing need for updated evaluation and maintenance to ensure the dam's effectiveness in flood control. The presence of only one outlet gate further emphasizes the importance of proactive risk management strategies for this critical infrastructure.
As a significant flood risk reduction asset in the region, Cow Bayou WS SCS Gss 1's structural integrity and maintenance are key factors in safeguarding surrounding communities from potential inundation. With its strategic location to manage water flow along the North Cow Bayou, stakeholders must prioritize regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures to address the dam's current high-risk status and ensure long-term resilience against climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
880 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH COW BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brazos Rv At Waco
|
337cfs |
Middle Bosque Rv Nr Mcgregor
|
19cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
N Elm Ck At Rosebud Rd Nr Meeks
|
0cfs |
Leon Rv Nr Belton
|
27cfs |
Little Pond Ck Nr Burlington
|
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.
Cow Bayou Ws Scs Gss 1