Upper Little Black A-2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Little Black A-2 Dam, located in Ripley County, Missouri, is a vital infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to address flood risk reduction along the Beaver Dam Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1992, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and spans a length of 1300 feet, with a storage capacity of 5400 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flooding in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 16,475 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, Upper Little Black A-2 Dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory as of 2007. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in protecting the surrounding area from the impacts of flooding. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Upper Little Black A-2 Dam to be a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction efforts.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER DAM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Drainage Area |
8947 |
Nid Storage |
5400 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Black River Below Fairdealing
|
113cfs |
Current River At Doniphan
|
1900cfs |
Black River At Poplar Bluff
|
858cfs |
Black River At Leeper
|
508cfs |
Current River At Van Buren
|
1220cfs |
St. Francis River At Wappapello
|
695cfs |
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.
Upper Little Black A-2