Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 6a1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Fork WS SCS Site 6a1 Dam, located in Cooke County, Texas, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risk along Brushy Elm Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 1850 feet, providing storage of up to 1170 acre-feet of water. Despite its age, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Elm Fork WS SCS Site 6a1 Dam plays a vital role in protecting downstream areas from potential inundation. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and lacks a spillway, highlighting its design focused on flood control rather than controlled release. Although its hazard potential and condition assessment are currently listed as "Not Available" and "Not Rated" respectively, the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as high, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Elm Fork WS SCS Site 6a1 Dam serves as a noteworthy example of infrastructure designed to manage the impacts of extreme weather events on local communities. Its location in the Tulsa District of the USACE and oversight by the Natural Resources Conservation Service showcase the collaborative efforts involved in safeguarding against flood risks. Despite its age, this dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from the potentially devastating effects of flooding, underscoring the importance of resilient water management strategies in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BRUSHY ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.3

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

1170

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.