Lower Ellison Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Lower Ellison Lake Dam, located in Starr, Texas, along the TR-RIO GRANDE river, stands as a testament to water resource management and climate resilience.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam reaches a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has been maintained and inspected regularly by state authorities, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
Owned privately, Lower Ellison Lake Dam serves a primary purpose of "Other," indicating its versatility in managing water resources for various needs. With a normal storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the region. While it lacks a spillway, the dam's design and construction have withstood the test of time, making it a reliable asset for the community it serves.
Managed by the Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lower Ellison Lake Dam has been designated as a high-risk structure with a hazard potential of "Not Available." As stakeholders continue to assess and manage the risks associated with the dam, its presence highlights the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. With no significant modifications or emergency action plans reported, the dam stands as a vital infrastructure ensuring water security for the area.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
975 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RIO GRANDE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
136 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Lower Ellison Lake Dam