Upper Locust Creek W- 20 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Upper Locust Creek W-20 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Putnam County, Missouri.
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Summary
Built in 1993 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26.4 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 100 cubic feet per second, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-West Fork Locust Creek.
The dam, with a length of 560 feet and a surface area of 5 acres, is designed to control the flow of water during extreme weather events. Its spillway, uncontrolled in nature, has a width of 20 feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of Upper Locust Creek W-20 is currently not rated. With its strategic location and design, this structure plays a vital role in managing water resources and mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Upper Locust Creek W-20 to be a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity in the face of environmental challenges. As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in Putnam County, Missouri, this earth dam showcases the importance of strategic infrastructure in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its design by the USDA NRCS and its critical role in controlling water flow along the TR-West Fork Locust Creek, Upper Locust Creek W-20 stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
26.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST FORK LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
524 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Upper Locust Creek W- 20