Belcher Branch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Belcher Branch Lake Dam, located in Faucett, Missouri, is a state-owned structure designed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.


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Summary

Completed in 1992, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and spans 1397 feet in length, creating a fish and wildlife pond with a storage capacity of 1765 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROGRAM and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Belcher Branch Lake Dam is classified as having a satisfactory condition as of December 2007. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 160 feet, and no outlet gates or associated locks. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 626 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 46 acres, providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife in the area.

As a key feature in the TR-Belcher Branch river system, Belcher Branch Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and conservation efforts in Buchanan County, Missouri. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a crucial component in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the diverse aquatic ecosystem in the region.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

1397

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TR-BELCHER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

1397

Nid Storage

1765

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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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.