Upper Little Black D-5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Upper Little Black D-5 Dam, located in Flatwoods, Missouri, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR Little Black River.


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Summary

Completed in 1986, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans 800 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 521 acre-feet with a low hazard potential. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 40 feet, and it features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gates.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri, the Upper Little Black D-5 Dam undergoes regular inspections and has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2008. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate this dam's significance in safeguarding the community and ecosystem along the Little Black River.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE BLACK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

1753

Nid Storage

521

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.