Elkhart Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Elkhart Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 30.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 797 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 181 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,662 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00144 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
PINE LODGE CLUB OF PALESTINE TEXAS
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Elkhart Lake Dam?
Elkhart Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Elkhart Lake Dam?
Elkhart Lake Dam is owned by PINE LODGE CLUB OF PALESTINE TEXAS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elkhart Lake Dam built?
Elkhart Lake Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Elkhart Lake Dam?
Elkhart Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elkhart Lake Dam?
Elkhart Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Elkhart Lake Dam last inspected?
Elkhart Lake Dam was last inspected on March 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.