David C Black Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dead Mans Hole Dam Scotty's Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
David C Black Dam, located in Buchanan, Missouri, along Little Sugar Creek, was completed in 1954 with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
The privately owned Earth dam stands at 20 feet high and has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 22 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and unlisted foundation type, the dam has not been rated for its condition. It is not regulated, permitted, inspected, or enforced by the state, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance by the private owner.
The dam's location in Rushville, Missouri, within the Rock Island District, makes it a significant structure for water resource management in the area. With a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 758 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. However, without recent inspection data or a comprehensive emergency action plan, there are potential risks associated with the dam's operation and maintenance that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management, David C Black Dam serves as a vital asset for irrigation in Buchanan County, Missouri. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam requires ongoing attention and maintenance to address any potential risks and ensure its continued operation for the benefit of the local community. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
758 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Stranger C Nr Potter
|
199cfs |
Missouri River At St. Joseph
|
27600cfs |
Platte River Near Agency
|
77cfs |
Platte River At Sharps Station
|
80cfs |
Little Platte River At Smithville
|
13cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
34cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
David C Black Dam