Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 12 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork WS SCS Site 12 Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1958 to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 27 feet high and spanning 1650 feet in length, serves the purpose of protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events along Wheeler Creek. With a storage capacity of 1753 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring the safety of the region.

The dam features a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled' with a width of 133 feet, allowing for the release of excess water during peak flow periods. The condition assessment of the dam is reported as 'Fair', with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite the moderate risk level associated with the dam, its role in flood risk reduction and water resource management remains significant, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to safeguard the local communities and environment.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Elm Fork WS SCS Site 12 Dam stands as a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its strategic location, design features, and operational capabilities make it a key component in the overall flood risk reduction strategy for the region, demonstrating the intersection of engineering excellence and environmental stewardship in water management practices.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WHEELER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.3

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

3.3

Nid Storage

1753

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.