Vatterott Dam

Vatterott Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Missouri, built in 1962. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Vatterott Dam

The primary purpose of Vatterott Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is private-owned. It impounds the Tr To Sandy Creek near Herculaneum.

The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 685 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 215 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1962, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/01/2021.

At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Missouri dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMissouri
CountyJefferson
Nearest CityHerculaneum
River/StreamTr To Sandy Creek
Coordinates38.31242, -90.53749

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height40 ft
Dam Height40 ft
Dam Length685 ft
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage215 acre-ft
Max Storage215 acre-ft
Normal Storage156 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,660 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection12/01/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMO30429
Federal IDMO30429
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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