Fourche Creek #8 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fourche Creek #8 Dam, located in Ripley, Missouri, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the North Fork Fourche Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 49 feet and spans a length of 1075 feet, with a storage capacity of 374 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation during extreme weather events.

Maintained by the local government and regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, Fourche Creek #8 Dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide (sluice gate) outlet, ensuring efficient water management. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region, providing protection to the community and enhancing overall resilience to climate-related challenges.

Despite its modest hazard potential, Fourche Creek #8 Dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water security in Ripley, Missouri. With a strategic location and sturdy construction, this dam stands as a testament to effective flood control measures and responsible water resource management. As climate change continues to pose threats to water infrastructure, the importance of structures like Fourche Creek #8 Dam highlights the need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and investment in sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

1075

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

N FORK FOURCHE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Drainage Area

5741

Nid Storage

374

Structural Height

49

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

49
       
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.