Buffalo Bill Dam
Key Takeaway
Buffalo Bill Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 41 ft (taller than 90.4% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 271 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 271 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 596 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1990 (36 years old) |
| NID ID | MO12201 |
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 Buffalo Bill Dam?
Buffalo Bill 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 Buffalo Bill Dam?
Buffalo Bill 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 Buffalo Bill Dam built?
Buffalo Bill Dam was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 Buffalo Bill Dam?
Buffalo Bill Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Buffalo Bill Dam?
Buffalo Bill Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Buffalo Bill Dam last inspected?
Buffalo Bill Dam was last inspected on August 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.