Elm Creek Ws Scs Site 17a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Elm Creek WS SCS Site 17a Dam, located in Ratibor, Texas, was completed in 1996 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along the Ratibor Branch river.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 22 feet high and has a storage capacity of 1650 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 785 acre-feet. Despite being a buttress-type dam with no spillway, it is regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a drainage area of 2.92 square miles, the Elm Creek WS SCS Site 17a Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. While the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment categorizes it as high (2), emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring. Although the condition assessment is not rated, the dam's regulatory compliance and regular inspections contribute to its reliability as a flood control structure in Bell County, Texas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as an interesting case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure and management practices.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

RATIBOR BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.92

Nid Storage

1650

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.