Lower Valle Mines Dam
Lower Valle Mines Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Missouri, built in 1952. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Lower Valle Mines Dam
Lower Valle Mines Dam is a dam in Jefferson, Missouri. The dam is owned by Valle Mining Company (private). It impounds the Tr To Joachim Creek near Valle Mines.
The dam stands 22 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 260 square miles. Completed in 1952, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 08/15/1980. That was 45 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.
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.
Location
| State | Missouri |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Valle Mines |
| River/Stream | Tr To Joachim Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.03117, -90.52175 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 54 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 260 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | VALLE MINING COMPANY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/15/1980 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO30439 |
| Federal ID | MO30439 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |