Elm Fork Site 61v Decom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork Site 61v Decom Dam, located in Cooke, Texas, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Elm Fork Trinity River.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 850 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 261 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential rating, the dam is currently not rated for its condition assessment.

With a risk assessment of High (2), Elm Fork Site 61v Decom Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for managing flood risks in the region. Although it lacks certain safety measures such as a spillway, it plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation. As a non-federal structure, the dam is subject to state permitting and inspection, ensuring its continued functionality and safety for the community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering and environmental considerations that go into managing structures like Elm Fork Site 61v Decom Dam. By understanding the design, purpose, and potential risks associated with such dams, stakeholders can work towards enhancing their resilience and ensuring sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-ELM FORK TRINITY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.58

Nid Storage

261

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.