Elm Creek Ws Scs Site 1 Dam
Elm Creek Ws Scs Site 1 Dam is an earth dam located in Bell County, Texas, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Elm Creek Ws Scs Site 1 Dam
The primary purpose of Elm Creek Ws Scs Site 1 Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Bell County;central Texas Swcd;elm Creek Watershed Authority (local government). It impounds the Big Elm Creek.
The dam stands 74 feet tall and stretches 4,220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 21 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/17/2020.
At 74 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Bell |
| River/Stream | Big Elm Creek |
| Coordinates | 31.24038, -97.31163 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 74 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,220 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,867 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 33,165 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | BELL COUNTY;CENTRAL TEXAS SWCD;ELM CREEK WATERSHED AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/17/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TX06588 |
| Federal ID | TX06588 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |