Upper Locust Creek W- 79 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Upper Locust Creek W- 79, also known as Site W-79, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Reger, Missouri.


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Summary

Constructed in 1991 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-LOCUST CREEK. With a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 440 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition is currently not rated, indicating a need for further inspection and assessment.

Situated in Putnam County, Missouri, Upper Locust Creek W-79 is part of the flood control infrastructure managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 42 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 245 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding area from inundation. The dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are currently not detailed, highlighting a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and reliability of the structure.

In the event of an emergency, the condition of Upper Locust Creek W-79 and its readiness for response remain unclear, as no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated. With its strategic location and critical role in flood risk reduction, it is essential for the dam's owners and operators to prioritize regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-LOCUST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

36

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.