Dresser No.4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Dresser No.4 Dam, located in Washington, Missouri, serves as a crucial structure for tailings storage, with a primary purpose of tailings containment.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 105 feet and has a storage capacity of 4325 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Mill Creek, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and a drainage area of 528 square miles.
Despite its significant hazard potential, rated as high, Dresser No.4 Dam has not been inspected or assessed for condition since 1979, leaving its current state as "Not Rated." This lack of recent assessment raises concerns about the dam's safety and maintenance, especially in the face of changing climate conditions that could impact its structural integrity. With no state regulation or inspection in place, there is a need for increased monitoring and evaluation to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness and safety in the event of emergencies.
As a private-owned structure, Dresser No.4 Dam falls outside of federal oversight and funding, posing challenges for its upkeep and maintenance. With no emergency action plan in place and limited information on its risk assessment and management measures, the dam presents a potential risk to surrounding communities in the event of a failure or breach. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike should be vigilant in advocating for increased monitoring and safety measures for Dresser No.4 Dam to mitigate potential risks and ensure the resilience of the water infrastructure in the area.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Height |
105 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
77 |
Drainage Area |
528 |
Nid Storage |
4325 |
Structural Height |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
105 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big River Near Richwoods
|
221cfs |
Big River Below Desloge
|
59cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
27cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
522cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
241cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
786cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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