Russel Elsey 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.
Inside the reservoir
The real shoreline of this water body, with a depth model scaled so the basin holds exactly its recorded storage. Drag to orbit, scroll to zoom, and use the slider to drain and refill it. Click anywhere on the basin for the modelled depth there.
NID normal pool storage (224 AF) over this shoreline implies a 27 ft basin, deeper than the 21 ft dam. Depth capped to the dam; storage shown is modelled, not NID.
How this is built. The shoreline is the National Hydrography
Dataset polygon for this water body (“Russell Elsey Lake”),
matched to the dam by proximity and confirmed by comparing its area with the
National Inventory of Dams surface area (agreement 0.903×).
Depth is modelled, not surveyed: the basin is shaped by distance from
shore — deep in open water, shallow in the bays — and scaled so its
volume equals the recorded storage. No national bathymetric survey exists for
US reservoirs. Treat the shoreline, area and volume as measured, and the depth
distribution as an informed approximation.
Above normal pool, water is shown rising within the normal-pool
shoreline. Where it would actually spread depends on the surrounding
terrain, which is not modelled here — a reservoir in a steep canyon barely
widens, one on flat ground can spread a long way. This is a depth and volume
figure, not an inundation map. Official inundation mapping for a dam
comes from its Emergency Action Plan.
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 | 10 cfs | → |
| Big River Below Desloge | 24 cfs | → |
| Big River Near Richwoods | 90 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Sullivan | 301 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River Nr Lesterville | 4 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Steelville | 166 cfs | → |
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 below 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.
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.