Elm Fork Ws Scs Site 5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5 Dam, located in Montague, Texas, along the Elm Fork Trinity River, was completed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a length of 3400 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 6457 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite being classified with a moderate risk assessment level, the Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5 Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 13 feet and outlet gates including a slide gate and an uncontrolled gate. While the dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, it plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. The dam's location, design, and purpose make it a critical infrastructure for local government in mitigating flood risks and providing water supply to surrounding areas.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the structural details and regulatory oversight of the Elm Fork WS SCS Site 5 Dam offers valuable insights into the management of water infrastructure in Texas. With its strategic placement along the Elm Fork Trinity River, this dam serves as a vital component in the flood risk reduction efforts of the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices to safeguard communities and ecosystems against potential hazards. Its construction by the NRCS and ongoing state oversight by the TCEQ demonstrate a collaborative approach to ensuring the safety and functionality of essential water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
3400 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
ELM FORK TRINITY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
12.5 |
Nid Storage |
6457 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
60 |
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 5 Dam