Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 12 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 12, located in Ripley, Missouri, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Fourche Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 830 feet, with a storage capacity of 446 acre-feet. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, it serves a vital purpose in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government, Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 12 plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of high discharge rates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 660 cubic feet per second. Its uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 50 feet, ensures the safe release of excess water during heavy rainfall. While it has not been inspected in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan, the dam continues to fulfil its primary function effectively, safeguarding the community against moderate flood risks.
With a risk assessment rating of 3 out of 5, Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 12 underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and operational readiness. As a key component of the flood risk reduction strategy in the area, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
830 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FOURCHE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
128 |
Nid Storage |
446 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Current River At Doniphan
|
1900cfs |
Elevenpoint River Near Ravenden Springs
|
644cfs |
Eleven Point River Near Bardley
|
562cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
3110cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Fourche Lake Recreation Area
|
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Float Camp Recreation Area
|
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Float Camp
|
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Deer Leap Recreation Area
|
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Deer Leap
|
Fourche Creek Watershed Dam 12