Elmer Griffith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elmer Griffith Lake Dam in Taylor, Texas, serves as a crucial irrigation source, completed in 1948 with a height of 15 feet and a length of 350 feet.


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Summary

Situated on TR-Buck Creek, the dam is primarily utilized for irrigation purposes, providing a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam poses a high risk due to its hazard potential being labeled as "Not Available" and a risk assessment rating of 2.

Owned privately and not regulated by the state, Elmer Griffith Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the region. With no spillway and limited discharge capacity, the dam relies on a single outlet gate for water release. Although its condition is not officially rated, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols remain undisclosed, leaving uncertainty regarding its safety in the face of potential hazards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts are drawn to Elmer Griffith Lake Dam not only for its historical significance but also for the challenges it faces in maintaining its integrity and functionality. As a key player in the irrigation infrastructure of the area, the dam's risk assessment and hazard potential highlight the ongoing need for monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of the water resources it provides to the local community.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.