Ditch Creek Dam, located in Morse Mill, Missouri, is a privately owned structure designed primarily for tailings management.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1955, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a hydraulic height of 53 feet, with a total length of 2900 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 140 acres, with a maximum discharge capability of 45554 cubic feet per second.
The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of March 2016 was deemed satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted every three years to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 100 feet, and there are no outlet gates associated with the structure. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state of Missouri, with enforcement and emergency action plans in place to mitigate any potential risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ditch Creek Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam construction, management, and safety protocols. With its unique design features, storage capacity, and drainage area coverage, this dam serves a crucial purpose in the local ecosystem. Understanding its role in tailings management and the associated risks and regulations provides valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
2900 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DITCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Drainage Area |
140 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
60 |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
221cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
522cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
241cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
786cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
107cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
27cfs |