Larry Hays Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Larry Hays Dam, located in Sue City, Missouri, was completed in 1999 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is an earth structure with a stone core and stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet. It has a structural height of 31 feet and a length of 625 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1 acre, with a drainage area of 19.2 square miles.

Despite being privately owned, Larry Hays Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District of the USACE. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has no outlet gates. The last inspection was conducted in November 1999, with a frequency of 0. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Larry Hays Dam to be a fascinating structure due to its multiple purposes and unique design features. With its strategic location on TR-Bear Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, water supply for livestock, and habitat for small fish. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment underscore the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dam in managing water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

19.2

Nid Storage

51

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.