Elm Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elm Creek Reservoir Dam, located in Throckmorton, Texas, is a private-owned structure designed by FREESE AND NICHOLS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 1500 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1300 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and is equipped with one uncontrolled outlet gate. It poses a moderate risk, with a hazard potential that is not available and a condition assessment that is not rated. Despite its age, Elm Creek Reservoir Dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, providing essential water resources for fire protection and agricultural use in the region. As a significant component of the local water infrastructure, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and contributing to the resilience of the surrounding ecosystem.

With its strategic location on North Elm Creek and its capacity to store and release water as needed, Elm Creek Reservoir Dam is a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As part of the Fort Worth District, the dam exemplifies the importance of proper dam management and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and reliability of water infrastructure. Its history, design, and operational details make it a compelling subject for those interested in the intersection of water resources, engineering, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

NORTH ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

1300

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.