Leadwood Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Leadwood Tailings Dam, located in Leadwood, Missouri, was completed in 1925 and serves as a crucial structure for managing tailings in the area.


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Summary

With a dam height of 58 feet and a length of 1775 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1300 acre-feet. The dam is primarily made of stone with foundations in rock and soil, serving a critical purpose in the region's water resource management.

Managed by a private entity, Leadwood Tailings Dam is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri, ensuring that the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced for safety and compliance. The dam sits on Eaton Branch and has a drainage area of 2165 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. The dam is categorized as having a high hazard potential but has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a moderate overall risk rating.

Leadwood Tailings Dam, with its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, continues to play a vital role in the region's water resource management. As a privately owned structure, it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management in mitigating potential risks and safeguarding water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1775

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

EATON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

133

Drainage Area

2165

Nid Storage

1400

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

58
       
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.