Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam
Key Takeaway
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 42 ft (taller than 87.1% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 3,265 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 148 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,422 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
| NID ID | TX06781 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
BIG BEND SWCD;BREWSTER COUNTY;PECOS COUNTY;RIO GRANDE-PECOS RIVER SWCD;TERRELL COUNTY;TRANS PECOS SWCD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 2 Dam
Pecos, TX
High Hazard 60 ftSanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 4 Dam
Terrell, TX
High Hazard 51 ftSanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 5 Dam
Terrell, TX
High Hazard 59 ftSanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 1 Dam
Brewster, TX
Significant Hazard 50 ftSanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 6 Dam
Terrell, TX
High Hazard 73 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam is owned by BIG BEND SWCD;BREWSTER COUNTY;PECOS COUNTY;RIO GRANDE-PECOS RIVER SWCD;TERRELL COUNTY;TRANS PECOS SWCD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam built?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam was completed in 1985, making it 41 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam has a dam height of 42 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam last inspected?
Sanderson Canyon WS SCS Site 3 Dam was last inspected on January 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.