Lower Little Black G-2 Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Lake Emerald Lake Dam
Last Updated: January 3, 2026
Located in Ripley, Missouri, the Lower Little Black G-2 Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Harris Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1999, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet with a length of 750 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 7,441 acre-feet and a drainage area of 9,594 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its importance in flood control, the Lower Little Black G-2 Dam has a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of March 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Regular inspections are conducted every three years, with the last assessment taking place in August 2017. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical infrastructure.
With the potential to impact the surrounding community in case of failure, the Lower Little Black G-2 Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of water infrastructure. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the role of dams like this becomes even more significant in safeguarding lives and properties from flooding. As such, ongoing efforts to address the dam's condition and implement risk management measures are essential to ensuring the resilience of this vital water resource asset.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
HARRIS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
80 |
Drainage Area |
9594 |
Nid Storage |
7441 |
Structural Height |
53 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Current River At Doniphan
|
1490cfs |
Little Black River Below Fairdealing
|
60cfs |
Black River Near Corning
|
530cfs |
Black River At Poplar Bluff
|
739cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
2270cfs |
Elevenpoint River Near Ravenden Springs
|
519cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Float Camp
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Float Camp Recreation Area
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Deer Leap Recreation Area
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Deer Leap
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Lower Little Black G-2 Dam