Belcher Branch Lake Dam
Belcher Branch Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Buchanan County, Missouri, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Belcher Branch Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Belcher Branch Lake Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Mo Dept Of Conservation (state). It impounds the Tr-belcher Branch near Faucett.
The dam stands 47 feet tall and stretches 1,397 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 46 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,765 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 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 12/01/2020.
At 47 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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.
Location
| State | Missouri |
| County | Buchanan |
| Nearest City | Faucett |
| River/Stream | Tr-belcher Branch |
| Coordinates | 39.58262, -94.73194 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,397 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,765 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,765 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 626 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,847 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/01/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO12290 |
| Federal ID | MO12290 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |