Upper Little Black D-8 Dam

TR LITTLE BLACK RIVER· Ripley, Missouri· Built 1986· Earth· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 38 ft (taller than 88.1% in MO)
Dam Length650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage444 acre-ft
Normal Storage111 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge947 cfs
Year Completed1986 (40 years old)
Year Modified1985
NID IDMO31861

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: June 2, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

Dr. MICHAEL SPEZIA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Little Black D-8 Dam?

Upper Little Black D-8 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 Upper Little Black D-8 Dam?

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam is owned by Dr. MICHAEL SPEZIA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Little Black D-8 Dam built?

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Upper Little Black D-8 Dam?

Upper Little Black D-8 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 Upper Little Black D-8 Dam?

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Upper Little Black D-8 Dam last inspected?

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam was last inspected on June 2, 2022. 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.