Upper Locust Creek L- 78 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Upper Locust Creek L-78 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Reger, Missouri, along the TR-East Fork Locust Creek.


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Summary

Designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1997, this dam stands at a height of 34 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a drainage area of 190 acres, Upper Locust Creek L-78 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and minimizing flood risks in the region.

The dam boasts a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 276 cubic feet per second, with a hazard potential rated as low. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, Upper Locust Creek L-78 presents a moderate risk level (3) that is being actively managed. Despite lacking certain regulatory and inspection measures, the dam's strategic location and design make it an essential structure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Putnam County, Missouri.

As part of the Rock Island District, Upper Locust Creek L-78 highlights the collaborative efforts between local governments and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in safeguarding communities against flooding events. With its modest surface area of 4 acres and normal storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, this earthen dam serves as a critical infrastructure in the region's flood risk reduction strategy. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of structures like Upper Locust Creek L-78 in maintaining ecological balance and protecting communities from natural disasters cannot be overstated.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-EAST FORK LOCUST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

190

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.