These dams are constructed in a federal and local partnership where the local sponsor acquires easements for the dam and upstream floodwater detention pool areas. This watershed project has 34 dams. This particular dam is Site No. 19 in the Elm Creek (Centex) Watershed project.
When the primary purpose is flood control, the dam is built with 100 percent federal funding. Then the local sponsor maintains the dam. The local sponsor is responsible for maintaining the dam and spillway. That includes vegetation to protect the dam and spillway, as well as structural components. Fencing protects the dam and spillway from damages due to vandalism and unauthorized or improper grazing. The local sponsor is also responsible for enforcing the easements.
The topography for this site did not result in a deep reservoir. Many sites in this part of the state do not include deep valleys. Consequently, the "normal pool" or sediment pool area is relatively shallow, with the exception of the borrow area near the dam that may be deeper. The sediment pool is designed to store sediment over the life of the structure and this will depend on the condition of the watershed upstream. If there is cropland upstream with poor conservation practices, sediment will fill more rapidly than if good conservation or pasture upstream.
The local sponsor is considered the "dam owner". There are easements with property owners where the dam and spillway are situated and areas upstream for the floodwater detention pool. Easements may include restrictions, such as not building a habitable structure in the detention pool, adding fill material within the detention pool, or any other activity that may conflict wit the purposes of the dam. The easement might allow for limited, proper grazing or cutting hay in the dam and spillway area, with the approval of the local watershed sponsor. Property owners upstream may use the pool area within their property for recreation, including hunting and fishing.
