Clarence Cannon #15
Clarence Cannon #15 is an earth dam located in Lincoln County, Missouri, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Clarence Cannon #15
The primary purpose of Clarence Cannon #15 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Lincoln Co Soil&water D (local government). It impounds the Bryants Creek near Elsberry.
The dam stands 57 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,380 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 11/27/2022.
At 57 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Lincoln |
| Nearest City | Elsberry |
| River/Stream | Bryants Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.15433, -90.91469 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,380 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,380 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 158 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,219 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | LINCOLN CO SOIL&WATER D |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO11309 |
| Federal ID | MO11309 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |