Pea Ridge Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Pea Ridge Tailings Dam in Morse Mill, Missouri, stands as a crucial structure designed for tailings containment.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this rockfill dam with a buttress core reaches a height of 150 feet and spans 1380 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 4100 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres, the dam plays a vital role in managing the flow and discharge of the TR-Marys Creek, providing essential protection to the surrounding area.

Maintained and regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG under the jurisdiction of Missouri, the Pea Ridge Tailings Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam presents a moderate risk level. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps are not clearly documented, indicating a need for enhanced emergency preparedness and response protocols to address potential risks effectively.

Located in Washington County, Missouri, the Pea Ridge Tailings Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management and climate protection in the region. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the significance of this dam in safeguarding the environment and communities against potential hazards is essential.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1380

Dam Height

150

River Or Stream

TR-MARYS CREEK

Surface Area

80

Drainage Area

400

Nid Storage

4100

Structural Height

150

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

150
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.