Wellington-Nap Wtrshd V-21 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

The Wellington-Nap Watershed V-21 Dam in Lafayette, Missouri, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1973 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Big Sni-A-Bar Creek.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet with a length of 595 feet, providing a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 282 square miles. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam plays a vital role in controlling debris and reducing the risk of flooding in the region.

Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, the Wellington-Nap Watershed V-21 Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as a moderate risk (3), the dam meets all safety guidelines and has emergency action plans in place to address any potential issues. With a spillway width of 20 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is equipped to manage a maximum discharge of 178 cubic feet per second, further enhancing its flood control capabilities in the event of heavy rainfall.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Wellington-Nap Watershed V-21 Dam serves as a prime example of effective infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and protecting communities along the TR-Big Sni-A-Bar Creek. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam represents a blend of modern engineering and natural materials to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability in water management practices. As part of the broader network of dams in Kansas City District, this structure plays a crucial role in preserving water quality, supporting wildlife habitats, and safeguarding the surrounding environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

595

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-BIG SNI-A-BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

282

Nid Storage

118

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.