Fourche Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Fourche Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 60 ft (taller than 97.3% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,060 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 544 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 49 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,732 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | MO31227 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Fourche Creek Dam 1
Ripley, MO
Significant Hazard 65 ftFourche Creek #3 Dam
Ripley, MO
Significant Hazard 37 ftRipley County Lake Dam
Ripley, MO
Significant Hazard 27 ftFourche Creek #5
Ripley, MO
Low Hazard 44 ftFourche Creek #8 Dam
Ripley, MO
Low Hazard 49 ftFourche Creek Wtrshd No. 7
Ripley, MO
High Hazard 68 ftFourche Creek #9
Ripley, MO
Low Hazard 44 ftFourche Creek #11
Ripley, MO
Low Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fourche Creek Dam?
Fourche Creek 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 Fourche Creek Dam?
Fourche Creek Dam is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fourche Creek Dam built?
Fourche Creek Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Fourche Creek Dam?
Fourche Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fourche Creek Dam?
Fourche Creek Dam has a dam height of 60 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 Fourche Creek Dam last inspected?
Fourche Creek Dam was last inspected on April 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.