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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |