Elkins Lake Dam
Elkins Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Walker County, Texas, built in 1920. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Elkins Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Elkins Lake Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Elkins Lake Recreation Corporation (private). It impounds the Prairie Branch.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 1,170 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 85 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,766 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1920, the structure is over a century 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 06/05/2024.
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 | Walker |
| River/Stream | Prairie Branch |
| Coordinates | 30.65686, -95.53201 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,766 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,766 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 760 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 85 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,867 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | ELKINS LAKE RECREATION CORPORATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/05/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX02956 |
| Federal ID | TX02956 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |