Elk Bayou, located in Tulare, California, is a concrete dam completed in 1903 primarily designed for flood risk reduction along Elk Bayou. Standing at 16 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and irrigation. Owned and regulated by the local government, Elk Bayou Dam is in a satisfactory condition and has a low hazard potential, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area.

Managed by the Sacramento District, Elk Bayou Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. With state-regulated inspections and enforcement in place, the dam ensures the safety and security of the community and nearby agricultural lands. The dam's strategic location and design contribute to its effectiveness in reducing flood risks and providing necessary water resources for irrigation purposes, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Despite its age, Elk Bayou Dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction efficiently. With regular inspections and satisfactory condition assessments, the dam remains a reliable infrastructure for safeguarding the local community against potential hazards. As climate change poses new challenges to water resource management, Elk Bayou Dam stands as a testament to effective infrastructure design and maintenance in ensuring the resilience of the region's water supply and flood protection systems.