Little Sni-A-Bar Wtrsd #44 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Located in Lafayette, Missouri, the Little Sni-A-Bar Wtrsd #44 Dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1974 to address flood risk reduction along the TR-Little Sni-A-Bar Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 695 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 270 square miles, the dam serves the primary purpose of debris control and flood risk reduction, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential water hazards.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, the Little Sni-A-Bar Wtrsd #44 Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition. Despite its modest risk assessment of moderate, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion. With a normal storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres, this essential water resource infrastructure plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding events and protecting the residents of Lexington.

With a spillway width of 50 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the Little Sni-A-Bar Wtrsd #44 Dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 363 cubic feet per second. While the dam does not feature outlet gates or associated structures, its presence serves as a critical component of the overall water management system in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Little Sni-A-Bar Wtrsd #44 Dam remains a key asset in the ongoing efforts to maintain water security and resilience in Lafayette, Missouri.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

695

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE SNI-A-BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

270

Nid Storage

93

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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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.