Ashley Branch Dam, located in Bourbon, Missouri, stands as a vital structure for water resource management and recreational activities.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1986, this earth dam spans a length of 1070 feet and reaches a height of 58 feet. It primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 105 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 1970 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of Ashley Branch Creek, with a drainage area of 4400 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 20817 cubic feet per second.
Maintained by a private entity, Ashley Branch Dam is subject to state regulation and oversight by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition according to a 2007 assessment. Regular inspections are conducted every three years, with the last inspection taking place in July 2016. The dam's emergency action plan is up-to-date, although its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Ashley Branch Dam to be a fascinating structure that not only plays a crucial role in water management but also provides opportunities for recreational activities in the picturesque surroundings of Washington County, Missouri. The dam's history, design features, and regulatory framework offer valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the realm of water resource management.
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Length |
1070 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
ASHLEY BRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
105 |
Drainage Area |
4400 |
Nid Storage |
1970 |
Structural Height |
58 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
58 |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
522cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
244cfs |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
221cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
107cfs |
Meramec River At Cook Station
|
47cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
27cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brazil Creek Trailhead
|
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Onondaga Cave State Park
|
||
Meramec State Park
|
||
Backpack Camp 2
|
||
Backpack Camp 1
|
||
Backpack Camp 8
|