Blackwell Mine Dam

TRIB MADDEN CREEK· Washington, Missouri· Built 1980· Other· 85 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Blackwell Mine Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 85 ft (taller than 99.3% in MO)
Dam Length2,500 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage2.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area58 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,006 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDMO30709

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 1, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blackwell Mine Dam?

Blackwell Mine 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 Blackwell Mine Dam?

Blackwell Mine Dam is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blackwell Mine Dam built?

Blackwell Mine Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Blackwell Mine Dam?

Blackwell Mine Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Blackwell Mine Dam?

Blackwell Mine Dam has a dam height of 85 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 Blackwell Mine Dam last inspected?

Blackwell Mine Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.