Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork WS SCS Site 3 Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, was constructed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Gibbons Branch.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and spans a length of 1500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1734 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains in good condition and has not been rated for potential hazards.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Elm Fork WS SCS Site 3 Dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. With a drainage area of 3.84 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 191 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in the region. While lacking a spillway, the dam is equipped with a single slide gate for water release.

Water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates will appreciate the strategic placement and design of Elm Fork WS SCS Site 3 Dam, which effectively mitigates flood risks and safeguards the community from potential water-related disasters. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, it is clear that the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and stability of the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of well-maintained infrastructure like Elm Fork WS SCS Site 3 Dam cannot be overstated.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

GIBBONS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

51

Drainage Area

3.84

Nid Storage

1734

Structural Height

51

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

51
       
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.