Elm Fork Site 16b Decom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork Site 16b Decom Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, was completed in 1961 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Elm Fork Trinity River.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 42 feet and a length of 1000 feet, with a storage capacity of 947 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently not rated for condition assessment, presenting a potential risk to the surrounding area.

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 2.09 square miles and a normal storage of 102 acre-feet, the dam serves to protect nearby communities from flooding events. However, the lack of a spillway and the unknown condition assessment raise concerns about the dam's ability to effectively manage floodwaters in the future.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of proper dam maintenance and risk management is crucial in ensuring the safety and functionality of structures like Elm Fork Site 16b Decom Dam. With its high hazard potential and limited information on its current condition, further assessment and maintenance measures may be necessary to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding area from flood events.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

TR-ELM FORK TRINITY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

2.09

Nid Storage

947

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.