Buick Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

The Buick Tailings Dam, also known as the Buick Mine Tailings Dam, is a privately owned structure in Reynolds County, Missouri.


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Summary

It was completed in 1981 and is primarily used for the disposal of tailings. The dam is an earth dam with a buttress core, standing at a height of 147 feet and a length of 1490 feet. It has a storage capacity of 5400 acre-feet and is located on Strother Creek in the city of Oates.

The dam is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri and is subject to state inspections and enforcement. It is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 5 feet, and the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. Although there are no outlet gates, the dam has a drainage area of 2400 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 270 cubic feet per second.

Overall, the Buick Tailings Dam is a significant structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study, given its unique design, purpose, and regulatory oversight. Its location in Reynolds County, Missouri, along with its storage capacity and risk assessment rating, make it an important point of interest for those interested in the management and safety of dams in the region.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

1490

Dam Height

147

River Or Stream

STROTHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

141

Drainage Area

2400

Nid Storage

5400

Structural Height

130

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

147
       
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.