Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 5b Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5b Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Elm Fork Trinity River.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans 1700 feet, with a storage capacity of 770 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, its normal storage capacity is 64 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region.
Managed and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5b Dam has not been rated for its current condition but is considered to have a high risk potential. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for controlled water release. With a drainage area of 1.2 square miles and a surface area of 7.8 acres, the dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood hazards and ensuring water security for the surrounding communities.
Although lacking recent inspection and risk assessment data, Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5b Dam remains a significant infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in Cooke County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and evaluating the condition of this dam is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the local area from potential flood events and maintaining sustainable water supply for the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELM FORK TRINITY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
770 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 5b Dam