Ben Branch Dam
Key Takeaway
Ben Branch Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 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 | 51 ft (taller than 95.4% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 675 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,150 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1982 |
| NID ID | MO31844 |
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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What is the hazard classification of Ben Branch Dam?
Ben Branch 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 Ben Branch Dam?
Ben Branch 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 Ben Branch Dam built?
Ben Branch Dam was completed in 1984, making it 42 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 Ben Branch Dam?
Ben Branch Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, 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 Ben Branch Dam?
Ben Branch Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Ben Branch Dam last inspected?
Ben Branch Dam was last inspected on April 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.