Keyes Branch Mine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Keyes Branch Mine Dam in Missouri is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of containing tailings.


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Summary

Built in 1979, this buttress dam stands at a height of 77 feet and has a length of 1700 feet, providing storage for approximately 1192 acre-feet of water. Located in the tributary Keyes Branch Creek, this dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition according to a 2013 assessment.

Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, Keyes Branch Mine Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. It has a spillway width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1323 cubic feet per second. The dam's drainage area is 216 square miles, with a surface area of 61 acres. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk as moderate, its emergency action plan status and management measures are not clearly defined.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Keyes Branch Mine Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its unique design and purpose. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam presents an opportunity for further study and evaluation in terms of its safety and emergency preparedness measures. As a critical component of the local water infrastructure, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area and protecting against potential hazards.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

77

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY KEYES BRANCH CREEK

Surface Area

61

Drainage Area

216

Nid Storage

1192

Structural Height

77

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

77
       
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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.