Beneath our feet lies a story of flood control. It is a story of engineering and community resilience embodied by Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 14.
This is Meadow Lake Dam. Officially, it is known as UBC Dam 14. This dam is near Round Rock. We will explore its history and purpose.
Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 14 was built in 1966. It helps manage water flow. It reduces flood risks in the area. The dam’s jurisdictional area spans 2,549 acres. Its maximum height reaches 25 feet.
The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District has 23 dams. These dams were built by the Soil Conservation Service. It is now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These dams protect and maintain the area. They operate safely.
All the district’s dams are classified as high hazard. This is due to downstream risks. It refers to the consequences of a dam failure. It is not the likelihood of one.
The district focuses on meeting TCEQ’s updated standards. These standards are for high-hazard dams. It safely passes the Probable Maximum Flood.
In 2023, rehabilitation began on Upper Brushy Creek Dam No. 14. The project includes reconstructing the downstream slope. It uses lime-treated earthfill. A trench drain will be built at the downstream toe. Concrete pavement is planned for the crest trail. The project includes excavation lime treatment and earthfill. Trenching concrete paving fencing and erosion controls are also included.
Sundt Construction was awarded the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 101 Project. The $34 million project is the largest undertaking since the original dams. These were built in the late 1950s and 1960s.
The new dam reduces flood risks for over 1,000 residents. This is along approximately 5 miles of Lake Creek. It improves emergency access. It reduces flood risk at road crossings.
The dam has two outlet features. The principal spillway includes a concrete intake structure. It has a concrete-encased steel conduit. A concrete impact basin is also part of it. The auxiliary spillway is a concrete labyrinth weir crest. It discharges to a chute and stilling basin.
Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 14 stands as a testament. It shows commitment to safety. It demonstrates flood control in Williamson County. As we stand here we recognize its vital role. It protects our community. It ensures a safer future for generations to come.