Fourche Creek #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fourche Creek #5, also known as Fourche Creek No.


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Summary

5 Dam, is a crucial structure located in Ripley, Missouri, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1987. This local government-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Haygood Creek.

With a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet, Fourche Creek #5 covers a surface area of 12 acres and has a low hazard potential, rated as satisfactory in its condition assessment as of March 2021. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, this dam has a moderate risk assessment score of 3, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Fourche Creek #5 an intriguing example of a locally owned flood risk reduction structure, highlighting the importance of effective dam management and maintenance in mitigating potential hazards and protecting surrounding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

HAYGOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

1293

Nid Storage

93

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.