Riley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Olson Dam Geisler Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Riley Dam, located in Paris, Missouri, along Pooles Branch, serves primarily for grade stabilization purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam, constructed in 1996, stands at a height of 20 feet and has a dam length of 730 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 164 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, Riley Dam covers a surface area of 3 acres and drains a 25.6 square mile watershed. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and no outlet gates. Operated by a private entity, Riley Dam is not under state jurisdiction or regulation. It falls within the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers but is not classified as a USACE structure. Although the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an Emergency Action Plan, its risk management measures and adherence to guidelines remain unspecified. Overall, Riley Dam presents an intriguing case for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and assessment of small-scale water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
730 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
POOLES BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
25.6 |
Nid Storage |
164 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Riley Dam