Fletcher Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Reynolds County, Missouri, the Fletcher Tailings Dam stands as a critical structure used for the containment of tailings generated from mining operations.


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Summary

Constructed in 1965, this privately owned dam holds a significant storage capacity of 5,333 acre-feet, serving a primary purpose of managing tailings disposal. With a structural height of 201 feet and a length of 3,000 feet, the dam poses a high hazard potential but has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition based on a 2007 assessment.

The Fletcher Tailings Dam is regulated by the state of Missouri and falls under the jurisdiction of the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program. It is subject to regular inspections, with the last conducted in January 2009, and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 135 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has a drainage area of 863 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 29,846 cubic feet per second, highlighting its crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Fletcher Tailings Dam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of mining operations, dam safety, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

3000

Dam Height

201

River Or Stream

TR BEE FORK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

128

Drainage Area

863

Nid Storage

5333

Structural Height

201

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

201
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.