Elkhart Lake Dam
Elkhart Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Anderson County, Texas, built in 1951. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Elkhart Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Elkhart Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Pine Lodge Club Of Palestine Texas (private). It impounds the Box Creek.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 420 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 42 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 797 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1951, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/04/2023.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Texas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Texas |
| County | Anderson |
| River/Stream | Box Creek |
| Coordinates | 31.63461, -95.55047 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 797 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 797 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 181 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,662 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | PINE LODGE CLUB OF PALESTINE TEXAS |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/04/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX00144 |
| Federal ID | TX00144 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |