Wellington-Napoleon Watershed Dam J-21 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Wellington-Napoleon Watershed Dam J-21, located in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a Grade Stabilization earth dam with a height of 26 feet and a length of 670 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a vital resource for flood control and sediment retention along the TR-SNI-A-BAR CREEK. With a maximum storage capacity of 288 acre-feet and a drainage area of 250 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water management within the region.

Although classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam is not currently inspected or assessed for condition. The absence of emergency action plans and risk management measures raises concerns about the dam's ability to respond to potential hazards or disasters. However, the dam's primary purpose of Grade Stabilization highlights its importance in maintaining water quality and flow control within the watershed.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of Wellington-Napoleon Watershed Dam J-21 in preserving the ecological balance and hydrological integrity of the area. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water management and conservation efforts in Lafayette County. Continued monitoring and maintenance of this dam are crucial to ensuring its long-term effectiveness and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions and water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-SNI-A-BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

250

Nid Storage

288

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.