Ellison Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Ellison Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 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 | 49 ft (taller than 93% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 5,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 44.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 24.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,516 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 59,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | TX04010 |
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
U S STEEL TUBULAR PRODUCTS
Private
Nearby Dams
Lower Barnes Reservoir Dam
Morris, TX
High Hazard 41 ftSorrells Reservoir Dam
Morris, TX
High Hazard 100 ftSouth Fork Baffle Dam
Morris, TX
Low Hazard 15 ftKings Mine Reservoir Dam
Morris, TX
Low Hazard 75 ftPeacock Site 1a Tailings Reservoir Dm
Morris, TX
High Hazard 116 ftCarroll Shelby Dam
Camp, TX
Significant Hazard 36 ftDaingerfield State Park Dam
Morris, TX
High Hazard 38 ftLone Star Steel Lake Dam
Marion, TX
Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ellison Creek Dam?
Ellison Creek 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 Ellison Creek Dam?
Ellison Creek Dam is owned by U S STEEL TUBULAR PRODUCTS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ellison Creek Dam built?
Ellison Creek Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Ellison Creek Dam?
Ellison Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ellison Creek Dam?
Ellison Creek Dam has a dam height of 49 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 Ellison Creek Dam last inspected?
Ellison Creek Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.