Sweetwater Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Reynolds County, Missouri, the Sweetwater Tailings Dam stands as a prominent structure designed for the storage of tailings.


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Summary

Built in 1980, this rockfill dam boasts a height of 130 feet and a length of 1400 feet, with a storage capacity of 23,467 acre-feet. Situated on Adair Creek, the dam is under the regulatory oversight of the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, ensuring that it meets stringent inspection, permitting, and enforcement standards.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment deemed satisfactory, the Sweetwater Tailings Dam presents a moderate risk level. Despite its satisfactory condition, the dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in 2017. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not explicitly detailed, the dam's compliance with safety guidelines and moderate risk rating indicate a proactive approach to addressing potential hazards.

As a key component in managing tailings and maintaining water resources in the region, the Sweetwater Tailings Dam serves as a vital structure in the context of environmental protection and climate resilience. With its high hazard potential and significant storage capacity, the dam underscores the importance of effective regulatory oversight and maintenance practices to ensure the safety and integrity of water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

130

River Or Stream

ADAIR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

640

Drainage Area

3880

Nid Storage

23467

Structural Height

100

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

130
       
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.