Ellison Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Ellison Creek Dam, nestled in Morris County, Texas, stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship.


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Summary

Completed in 1943, this earth dam stretches 5800 feet in length and reaches a height of 49 feet, with a capacity to store up to 36,000 acre-feet of water from the Ellison Creek. The dam serves multiple purposes, including recreation and water resource management, making it a vital cornerstone of the local community.

Managed by private owners and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Ellison Creek Dam boasts a fair condition assessment as of August 2015, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for surrounding residents. The dam's spillway, with a width of 1800 feet, provides essential flood control measures, while the presence of two uncontrolled outlet gates offers additional hydraulic management capabilities. With a moderate hazard potential rating, the dam has undergone modifications in 1970 and 1999 to enhance its operational efficiency and safety protocols.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts appreciate the significance of Ellison Creek Dam, its role in sustaining the local ecosystem and safeguarding against potential hazards remains paramount. With a rich history of service and a commitment to excellence in dam management, this engineering marvel continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and innovation in water resource infrastructure.

Years Modified

1970 - Other, 1999 - Other

Year Completed

1943

Dam Length

5800

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

ELLISON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1516

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

37

Nid Storage

36000

Structural Height

49

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

49
       
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.