Upper Ellison Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Upper Ellison Lake Dam, located in Starr, Texas, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans a length of 1390 feet, with a storage capacity of 148 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-RIO GRANDE river and is under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District.
Despite being privately owned, Upper Ellison Lake Dam is subject to state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is classified as having a high risk potential, indicating the need for vigilant risk management measures. With no spillway and limited drainage area, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation and fire protection, as well as providing a small fish pond for the local community.
While the condition assessment of Upper Ellison Lake Dam is currently not rated, its strategic location and purpose make it an essential infrastructure for water management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Upper Ellison Lake Dam become increasingly important to ensure the sustainable use of water for both agricultural and environmental purposes.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
1390 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
148 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Ft Ringgold
|
2110cfs |
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.
Upper Ellison Lake Dam