Walter R Tompson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Walter R Tompson Dam, located in Knox, Missouri, was completed in 1940 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

The dam is situated on the Plum Branch river and is owned privately, with no state jurisdiction or regulation. The Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees the dam, which has not undergone any recent inspections or assessments. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 120 square miles, with a normal storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it continues to provide essential services for the local community, showcasing the importance of water resource management in maintaining ecological balance and supporting various human activities.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

PLUM BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

120

Nid Storage

86

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.