Russel Sandifer Dam
Russel Sandifer Dam is an earth dam located in Marion County, Missouri, built in 1955. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Russel Sandifer Dam
The primary purpose of Russel Sandifer Dam is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Russel Sandifer (private). It impounds the Tr-north River near Palmyra.
The dam stands 28 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 120 square miles. Completed in 1955, 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 09/26/1978. That was 47 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 | Marion |
| Nearest City | Palmyra |
| River/Stream | Tr-north River |
| Coordinates | 39.79084, -91.73002 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 39 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 120 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond |
| Owner | RUSSEL SANDIFER |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 09/26/1978 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO10259 |
| Federal ID | MO10259 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |