Bell Branch Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bell Branch Ranch Dam, located in Ellis County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1965 for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.