Lowell Pierce Dam

TR MILL CREEK· Atchison, Missouri· Built 1968· Earth· 45 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Lowell Pierce Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. 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 45 ft (taller than 92.6% in MO)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage205 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge377 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDMO11009

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: September 23, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lowell Pierce Dam?

Lowell Pierce 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 Lowell Pierce Dam?

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

When was Lowell Pierce Dam built?

Lowell Pierce Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Lowell Pierce Dam?

Lowell Pierce Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lowell Pierce Dam?

Lowell Pierce Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Lowell Pierce Dam last inspected?

Lowell Pierce Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2020. 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.