Ussary Dam

About Ussary Dam

The primary purpose of Ussary 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 John Ussary (private). It impounds the Tr-pigeon Creek near Agency.

The dam stands 33 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 141 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 410 square miles. Completed in 1969, 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 06/02/1980. That was 45 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.

At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% 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.