South Fork Blackwater River Dam A- 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
South Fork Blackwater River Dam A-2, located in Sweet Springs, Missouri, was completed in 1966 and serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the West Branch of the Blackwater River.
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Summary
Designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet with a length of 785 feet, providing a storage capacity of 266 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam ensures the safety of nearby communities from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government, South Fork Blackwater River Dam A-2 is primarily used for flood risk reduction purposes. The dam, made of stone core and soil foundation, features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet. Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, the dam's condition is currently not rated. With its strategic location in Johnson County, Missouri, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from high discharge events, demonstrating its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
With its strategic design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, South Fork Blackwater River Dam A-2 stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction infrastructure in Missouri. Although not regularly inspected and lacking a formal emergency action plan, the dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment showcase its reliability in mitigating potential flooding threats. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like South Fork Blackwater River Dam A-2 highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
785 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W.BR.S.FK.BLACKWATER R |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
262.4 |
Nid Storage |
266 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
South Fork Blackwater River Dam A- 2