Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 13 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 13, located in Ripley, Missouri, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR-Fourche Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 750 feet. With a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet and a drainage area of 172.8 square miles, it plays a vital role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. While it lacks certain safety features like outlet gates and an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), its condition remains unrated. With a spillway width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge of 605 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to handle significant water flow during heavy rainfall events. Overall, Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 13 stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 13 offers a fascinating case study of how engineering solutions can be utilized to address environmental challenges. As part of the larger flood risk reduction system in the area, this dam showcases the intricate balance between maintaining water levels for normal storage purposes and ensuring safety during extreme weather events. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam exemplifies the innovative design and construction methods employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to create a resilient structure that protects the surrounding community from potential flood damage.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FOURCHE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
172.8 |
Nid Storage |
470 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Current River At Doniphan
|
1900cfs |
Elevenpoint River Near Ravenden Springs
|
644cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
3110cfs |
Eleven Point River Near Bardley
|
562cfs |
Little Black River Below Fairdealing
|
113cfs |
Black River Near Corning
|
789cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Float Camp Recreation Area
|
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Fourche Lake Recreation Area
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Float Camp
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Deer Leap Recreation Area
|
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Deer Leap
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Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 13