Upper Locust Creek W-180a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Upper Locust Creek W-180a is a vital earth dam located in Sullivan, Missouri, designed by USDA NRCS to primarily serve the purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2004, this structure stands at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet, offering a significant storage capacity of 174.5 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment score, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding in the area.
Managed by the local government and situated in the Rock Island District, Upper Locust Creek W-180a spans 530 feet in length and covers a surface area of 13 acres. While the dam's spillway is uncontrolled, its maximum discharge capacity reaches 270.7 cubic feet per second. Despite not being state regulated, this structure undergoes inspections every five years to assess its condition and ensure its operational efficiency.
The dam’s strategic location in the TR-Locust Creek watershed, coupled with its stone core and soil foundation, underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding areas from flood risks. With its design focused on flood risk reduction alongside other purposes such as fire protection and wildlife conservation, Upper Locust Creek W-180a stands as a valuable asset in safeguarding the local environment and communities from potential water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
530 |
Nid Storage |
174.5 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
8cfs |
Thompson River At Trenton
|
96cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
23cfs |
Chariton River At Novinger
|
72cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
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-180a