Bell Sand Dam

TR-BLACK FORK CREEK· Smith, Texas· Built 1965· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Bell Sand Dam is classified as low hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 19.7% in TX)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage88 acre-ft
Normal Storage24 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDTX04864

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 23, 1974
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RE KERSH

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bell Sand Dam?

Bell Sand Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bell Sand Dam?

Bell Sand Dam is owned by RE KERSH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bell Sand Dam built?

Bell Sand Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bell Sand Dam?

Bell Sand Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bell Sand Dam?

Bell Sand Dam has a dam height of 16 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bell Sand Dam last inspected?

Bell Sand Dam was last inspected on April 23, 1974. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.