Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam

TRIB-DITCH CREEK· Washington, Missouri· Built 1980· Other· 78 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A 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 78 ft (taller than 98.9% in MO)
Dam Length3,700 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage3.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.7K acre-ft
Surface Area180 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,900 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDMO30468

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: February 2, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

RAYMOND BUDDLE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A 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 Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam is owned by RAYMOND BUDDLE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam built?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A 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 Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A 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 Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam has a dam height of 78 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 Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam last inspected?

Desoto Mine Pit & Plant A Dam was last inspected on February 2, 2023. 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.