West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

West Dam, located in Macon, Missouri, along the Long Branch River, serves as a private grade stabilization structure completed in 1996.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 25.2 feet, with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, the earth dam stretches 193 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is grade stabilization, and it is classified as having low hazard potential and moderate risk.

Despite not being regulated by the state or federal agencies, West Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 110 acres and a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 30 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 4 acres, West Dam provides essential flood control and water retention benefits for the local community, contributing to the overall climate resilience of the area.

While West Dam has not been rated for condition assessment and does not have an emergency action plan in place, it remains a vital structure for maintaining water quality and quantity in Macon, Missouri. With its strategic location and design, West Dam showcases the importance of private initiatives in water resource management and highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term effectiveness in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

193

Dam Height

25.2

River Or Stream

LONG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.