Rodney Barber Dam dam
Rodney Barber Dam
Situated in Perry, Missouri, the Rodney Barber Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the USDA NRCS, who designed this private dam back in 1998 for recreational purposes. With an earth core and stone foundations, this 25-foot high structure spans 346 feet along TR-Brazeau Creek, offering a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet within its 3-acre surface area. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and low hazard potential, the dam maintains a moderate risk rating, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to ensure its structural integrity.
Overseen by the St. Louis District, Rodney Barber Dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, boasting a maximum discharge rate of 18 cubic feet per second. While the dam lacks outlet gates and locks, it remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational opportunities. Although not regulated by the state, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness ensure the safety of those who frequent its waters, in line with the NRCS's commitment to sustainable dam operations.
With a strategic location in S31, T35N, R13E, Rodney Barber Dam is a notable feature along TR-Brazeau Creek, offering a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Perry, Missouri. As the primary source agency, the state of Missouri continues to support the dam's recreational purpose, emphasizing its importance in the local community. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Rodney Barber Dam remains a symbol of resilience and cooperation in water resource management, exemplifying the dedication of the NRCS to sustainable infrastructure development.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Rodney Barber Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville | 21 cfs | → |
| Big Muddy River At Rte 127 At Murphysboro | 523 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Chester | 247,000 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Thebes | 269,000 cfs | → |
| Big Muddy River At Plumfield | 256 cfs | → |
| Little St. Francis River At Fredericktown | 17 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rodney Barber Dam.
Boat launches
- Front Street 677, Grand Tower
- Cape Girardeau County
- Johnson Creek Road Jackson County
- Il 151 Jackson County
- Water Street Chester
- Cedar Creek Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Devils Backbone Park
- Johnson Creek
- Johnson Creek Campground
- Turkey Bayou
- Lake Murphysboro State Park
- Pine Hills
Paddle runs
- 1/2 Mile Downstream Of Confluence With Kinkaid Creek To Confluence With Mississippi River, Approx 4 Miles South Of Grand Tower, Il
- 1 Mile West Of Alto Pass, Il To 1/2 Mile South Of Confluence With Clear Creek, West Of Trail Of Tears State Forest
- Forest Boundary At North Section Line Of Sec 4, T33n, R5e To Forest Boundary At South Section Line Of Sec 35, T32n, R5e
Track Rodney Barber Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Rodney Barber Dam
Where does the data for Rodney Barber Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Rodney Barber Dam.