The Old Mines Tailings Dam, located in Racola, Missouri, is a private structure designed to contain tailings from mining operations.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1980, this dam stands at a height of 61 feet and has a length of 560 feet, with a storage capacity of 286 acre-feet. It is regulated by the state's Dam and Reservoir Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections, with the latest assessment in March 2017 rating its condition as unsatisfactory and its hazard potential as high.
Mud Town Creek is the river or stream closest to the dam, with a drainage area of 327 square miles. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have outlet gates for controlled release, and its spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 40 feet. While it has a moderate risk assessment rating, there are no specific risk management measures listed, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Old Mines Tailings Dam serves as a noteworthy case study in the management of tailings and the potential risks associated with such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
MUD TOWN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
36 |
Drainage Area |
327 |
Nid Storage |
286 |
Structural Height |
61 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
61 |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
199cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
24cfs |
Big River Below Desloge
|
54cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
461cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
213cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
706cfs |