Bell Branch Ranch Dam, located in Ellis County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1965 for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 40 feet and with a length of 1000 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and one uncontrolled outlet gate. Despite being rated as having a moderate risk level, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. In 1997, the dam underwent some modifications, but details about the nature of these modifications are not specified. The risk management measures and emergency action plan for the dam are not readily available, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.
Bell Branch Ranch Dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area. With its picturesque location and significant storage capacity, the dam is a key feature of the Bell Branch stream and provides essential water storage for various purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and management of dams like Bell Branch Ranch Dam are vital to ensure the resilience and sustainability of water systems in the region.
Years Modified |
1997 - Other |
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
BELL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
550 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |