Freebird Dam

SANDERS AND EAST WHETSTONE· Wright, Missouri· Built 1999· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Freebird Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1999 and is 27 years old. 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 40 ft (taller than 89.7% in MO)
Dam Length550 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage365 acre-ft
Normal Storage242 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,000 cfs
Year Completed1999 (27 years old)
Year Modified1999
NID IDMO32056

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: January 23, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

MICHAEL MACPHERSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Freebird Dam?

Freebird 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 Freebird Dam?

Freebird Dam is owned by MICHAEL MACPHERSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Freebird Dam built?

Freebird Dam was completed in 1999, making it 27 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Freebird Dam?

Freebird Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Freebird Dam last inspected?

Freebird Dam was last inspected on January 23, 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.