National Dam Safety Program. Brushy Creek Tailings Dam (MO 30951), White Basin, Reynolds County, Missouri. Phase I Inspection Report

Brushy Creek Tailings Dam, inventory number MO 30951, was inspected. Based on the criteria in the guidelines, the dam is in the high hazard potential classification, which means that loss of life and appreciable property loss could occur in the event of failure of the dam. It is classified in the large size category due to its 120-foot height. Our inspection and evaluation indicates that the spillway does not meet the criteria set forth in the guidelines for a dam having the above size and hazard potential. The guidelines recommend that the spillway be capable of safely handling the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). A hydraulic/hydrologic analysis of this dam and reservoir indicates that any flood exceeding 55 percent of the PMF will result in excessive spillway erosion with the essential effect of overtopping the dam. A flood with a 1 percent chance of occurrence in any year (once in 100 years on the average) will be contained within the tailings reservoir without any spillway overflow. A sudden breach of this dam could be expected to cause property damage and serious hazard to human life for a distance of approximately 30 miles downstream of the dam. Within this reach are numerous structures, the communities of West Fork and Centerville, a campground, and Missouri Highway No. 21. Included therein are portions of Bill's Creek, and the West Fork of the Black River.