Belcher Branch Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Belcher Branch Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 47 ft (taller than 93.7% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,397 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 626 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,847 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1991 |
| NID ID | MO12290 |
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
MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION
State Government
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High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Belcher Branch Lake Dam?
Belcher Branch 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 Belcher Branch Lake Dam?
Belcher Branch Lake Dam is owned by MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Belcher Branch Lake Dam built?
Belcher Branch Lake Dam was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Belcher Branch Lake Dam?
Belcher Branch Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Belcher Branch Lake Dam?
Belcher Branch Lake Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Belcher Branch Lake Dam last inspected?
Belcher Branch Lake Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.