Keyes Branch Mine Dam

Keyes Branch Mine Dam is an other dam located in Washington County, Missouri, built in 1979. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Keyes Branch Mine Dam

The primary purpose of Keyes Branch Mine Dam is tailings. Tailings dams contain waste material from mining operations — typically a slurry of finely ground rock left over after valuable minerals have been extracted. These structures require ongoing monitoring because tailings can contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The dam is private-owned. It impounds the Tributary Keyes Branch Creek near Tiff.

The dam stands 77 feet tall and stretches 1,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 61 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,192 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1979, the structure is 47 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 02/07/2022.

At 77 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMissouri
CountyWashington
Nearest CityTiff
River/StreamTributary Keyes Branch Creek
Coordinates37.96307, -90.75241

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeOther
NID Height77 ft
Dam Height77 ft
Dam Length1,700 ft
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,192 acre-ft
Max Storage1,192 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,192 acre-ft
Surface Area61 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,323 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeTailings
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection02/07/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMO30386
Federal IDMO30386
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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