Sun Mine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sun Mine Dam in Potosi, Missouri, stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing water resources for tailings management.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, this private dam on Maddin Creek boasts a height of 56 feet and a structural height of 73 feet, with a length of 3300 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 2100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 80 acres. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory as of April 2017, with a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.

Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG of Missouri, Sun Mine Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced in terms of safety measures. Its spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 25 feet, and the dam has no outlet gates. Located in Washington County, Missouri, the dam is situated strategically to serve its primary purpose of tailings management efficiently. With a maximum discharge capacity of 414 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sun Mine Dam presents an intriguing case study in balancing human needs with environmental considerations. Its design as a buttress dam with unlisted or unknown foundations showcases the engineering marvel behind its construction. With a comprehensive risk assessment and emergency action plan in place, the dam exemplifies responsible stewardship of water resources in the face of potential hazards. As we strive for sustainable water management practices, Sun Mine Dam stands as a shining example of effective infrastructure for the benefit of both humans and nature.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

3300

Dam Height

56

River Or Stream

MADDIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

80

Drainage Area

1100

Nid Storage

2100

Structural Height

73

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

73
       
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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.