Upper Doniphan Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Upper Doniphan Dam, located in Orrick, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1980, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 63 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR TO LICK CREEK and is under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite not being regulated by the state, Upper Doniphan Dam is categorized as having a high hazard potential due to its structural design. The condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated", with the last inspection dating back to 1980. Emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment guidelines have not been reported for this dam, raising concerns about its safety and management in case of an emergency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Doniphan Dam offers a fascinating study in the intersection of private ownership, recreational use, and potential risks associated with high hazard potential dams. The data provided reveals a lack of recent inspection and emergency preparedness measures, underscoring the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance for the safety and resilience of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR TO LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

250

Nid Storage

106

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.