Blackwell Mine Dam, located in Potosi, Missouri, serves as a crucial structure for tailings storage.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1980, this rockfill dam stands at 85 feet tall and spans a length of 2500 feet, with a storage capacity of 2100 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its high hazard potential.
The dam's primary purpose is to contain tailings from mining activities, with a surface area of 58 acres and a drainage area of the same size. Although the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, its condition assessment as of December 2007 is satisfactory. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a spillway width of 58 feet to handle a maximum discharge of 1006 cubic feet per second. With a history of regular inspections and a designated emergency action plan, Blackwell Mine Dam remains a vital component of water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of Blackwell Mine Dam in maintaining the integrity of the surrounding environment and ensuring the safety of downstream communities. As a privately owned structure in Washington County, Missouri, the dam's design and construction reflect the importance of tailings storage in mining operations. With state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols in place, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and climate resilience in the face of high hazard potential.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
2500 |
Dam Height |
85 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB MADDEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
58 |
Drainage Area |
58 |
Nid Storage |
2100 |
Structural Height |
85 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
85 |
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207cfs |
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56cfs |
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|
25cfs |
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226cfs |
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486cfs |
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