Elkins Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elkins Lake Dam in Walker County, Texas, is a private earth dam built in 1920 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

It stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 1170 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1766 acre-feet. The dam is located on Prairie Branch and is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

The dam has undergone structural modifications in 1995 and 2002 to ensure its stability and safety. The last inspection conducted in November 2016 rated its condition as satisfactory, with a moderate risk level of 3 out of 5. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has two outlet gates and a spillway width of 245 feet.

With a drainage area of 3.1 square miles and a surface area of 85 acres, Elkins Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and recreational activities in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the strategic importance of this dam in sustaining irrigation needs and enhancing water-based recreation opportunities in the surrounding area.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural, 2002 - Structural

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

1170

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

85

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

1766

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.