Sanderson Canyon Ws Scs Site 11 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 11 Dam, located in Terrell County, Texas, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Three Mile Draw river.
Summary
Built in 1986 by Blom Engineering, this earth dam stands at a height of 57 feet with a hydraulic height matching that, and a structural height of 70 feet. The dam's significant storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet is utilized to manage the drainage area of 35.03 square miles, with a spillway width of 280 feet to handle a maximum discharge of 50,678 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 11 Dam has been regularly inspected, with its last condition assessment in January 2017 indicating a satisfactory status. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam has not been assigned a hazard potential, but it is regulated and permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The dam's outlet gates consist of a slide and two uncontrolled gates, contributing to its efficient operation in flood control. Despite the lack of detailed risk management measures, the dam's design and maintenance suggest a well-maintained structure crucial for safeguarding the local community from flood events.
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mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Length |
6840 |
Dam Height |
57 |
River Or Stream |
THREE MILE DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
57 |
Drainage Area |
35.03 |
Nid Storage |
4500 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
70 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sanderson Canyon Ws Scs Site 11 Dam