Upper Little Black D-8 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Little Black D-8 Dam, located in Ripley, Missouri, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the TR Little Black River.


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Summary

Constructed in 1986 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 650 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 444 acre-feet. Despite its crucial role in mitigating flood risks, the dam's current condition assessment is deemed unsatisfactory, with a high hazard potential.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 60 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 947 cubic feet per second. Despite being regulated and inspected by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, the dam is categorized as having a moderate risk level and is in need of risk management measures. The last inspection in November 2016 highlighted the dam's need for attention, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and updates to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE BLACK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

1056

Nid Storage

444

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

38
       
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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.