Upper Locust Creek W- 53 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Upper Locust Creek W-53 is a locally owned earth dam located in Putnam County, Missouri, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2000 for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 29 feet with a structural height of 32 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, providing a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 110 acres and a surface area of 8 acres, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, fish and wildlife habitat, and flood risk reduction.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Upper Locust Creek W-53 boasts a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. With an uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, this dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is situated along TR-Locust Creek in Browning, with a spillway width of 30 feet and no associated locks. While not currently inspected or assessed for emergency preparedness, the dam remains a key feature in the local landscape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
110 |
Nid Storage |
131 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
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- 53