Russel Elsey Dam dam
Russel Elsey Dam
Russel Elsey Dam, situated in Potosi, Missouri, along the North Fork Fourche A Renault river, was completed in 1966 for the primary purpose of recreation. This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 224 acre-feet, serving as a popular spot for recreational activities in the area. Despite its recreational appeal, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring.
Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, it has not undergone any modifications since its last inspection in 1980. The structure is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting, inspection, or enforcement. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the dam's safety and highlights the need for proactive risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. With its proximity to Washington County, Missouri, and its relatively small surface area of 18 acres, the Russel Elsey Dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that dams play in the management of water resources and the impact of climate change on infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to advocate for sustainable practices, the Russel Elsey Dam serves as a focal point for discussions on dam safety, maintenance, and risk assessment. With its historical significance and scenic surroundings, the dam presents opportunities for recreation and environmental education, while also underscoring the importance of proactive risk management and the need for updated inspections and emergency preparedness plans. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, stakeholders can work together to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the Russel Elsey Dam and other similar structures across the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Russel Elsey Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big River At Irondale | 40 cfs | → |
| Big River Below Desloge | 81 cfs | → |
| Big River Near Richwoods | 332 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Sullivan | 596 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River Nr Lesterville | 5 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Steelville | 303 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Russel Elsey Dam.
Boat launches
- Council Bluff Lake Trail Washington County
- Enough Boat Launch And Trailhead
- Bismarch Lake Road St. Francois County
- Crawford County
- Meramec State Park Franklin County
- Highway W Franklin County
Campgrounds
- Hazel Creek Campground
- Hazel Creek
- Brazil Creek Trailhead
- Berryman Campground
- Berryman
- Council Bluff - Wild Boar Ridge
Fishing spots
Track Russel Elsey Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Russel Elsey Dam
Where does the data for Russel Elsey Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Russel Elsey Dam.