Elm Fork Site 61t Decom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork Site 61t Decom Dam, located in Cooke, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Elm Fork Trinity River.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and a length of 1350 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 174 acre-feet. Despite its relatively small surface area of 3 acres and drainage area of 0.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it is deemed to have a high risk potential, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. With no spillway and only one outlet gate, the structure may face challenges in managing excess water flow during heavy rain events. Although it currently does not meet USACE standards, the dam serves as a key component in the flood risk reduction efforts in the region, highlighting the critical role of such infrastructure in safeguarding communities and their water resources from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-ELM FORK TRINITY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

174

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.