Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elm Fork WS SCS Site 4 Dam, located in Cooke, Texas, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Long Branch river.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and spans a length of 1200 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 879 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.
With a normal storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.88 square miles, Elm Fork WS SCS Site 4 Dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam features a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and a spillway type of None, reflecting its design for flood control purposes. Although the dam's hazard potential is marked as "Not Available," its risk assessment is deemed as high (2), highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to uphold its effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
As a key piece of flood infrastructure in the area, Elm Fork WS SCS Site 4 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. Its strategic location, design, and regulatory oversight by TCEQ ensure that the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the benefit of residents and ecosystems along the Long Branch river.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
LONG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
48 |
Drainage Area |
1.88 |
Nid Storage |
879 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
48 |
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 4 Dam