Elm Fork Site 18 Decom Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, is a privately owned dam that was completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, standing at a height of 46 feet, serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Persimmon Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 384 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3940 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area.
Despite its age, Elm Fork Site 18 Decom Dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The dam's uncontrolled spillway, outlet gates, and stone core foundation contribute to its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is considered to have a manageable level of hazard potential. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam remains a key infrastructure for flood control and recreation in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Elm Fork Site 18 Decom Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam that continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the dam's design and construction by the USDA NRCS reflect timeless engineering principles that have stood the test of time. As climate change poses new challenges for water management, the Elm Fork Site 18 Decom Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
2105 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
PERSIMMON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
6.06 |
Nid Storage |
2941 |
Structural Height |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
54 |