Fourche Creek Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fourche Creek Dam 1, located in Ripley, Missouri, was completed in 1975 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 65 feet, serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding along the Fourche Creek. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam has a storage capacity of 4,800 acre-feet and a normal storage of 544 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 49 acres.

With a spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge of 20,400 cubic feet per second, Fourche Creek Dam 1 has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is regularly inspected by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. While the dam does not have outlet gates or associated structures, it plays a crucial role in flood risk management and protection of the surrounding community in Pocahontas, Arkansas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fourche Creek Dam 1 stands as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

FOURCHE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

49

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

8.35

Nid Storage

4800

Structural Height

68

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

68
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.