This dam has been classified as unsafe, non-emergency as a result of the application of the following criteria: spillway will not pass 50 percent of the Probable Maximum Flood without overtopping the dam; overtopping of the dam could result in failure of the dam; and dam failure significantly increases the hazard to loss of life downstream.

Results of a hydrologic/hydraulic analysis indicated that the spillway is adequate to pass lake outflow resulting from the 100-year frequency flood and the lake outflow corresponding to about 30 percent of the PMF lake inflow without overtopping the dam. According to the St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers, the length of the downstream flood damage zone, should failure of the dam occur, is estimated to be two miles. Accordingly, within the possible damage zone are four dwellings, Dam No. 30431, and two farm buildings. According to the Corps of Engineers, Dam No. 30431 has a significant hazard classification. A review of available data did not disclose that seepage or stability analysis of the dam were performed. This is considered a deficiency and should be rectified.

The purpose of this visual inspection was to make an assessment of the general condition of the dam with respect to safety and, based upon available data and this inspection, determine if the dam poses a hazard to human life or property. The Kearney Lake Dam, according to the St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers, has a high hazard potential, meaning that if the dam should fail, there may be loss of life, serious damage to homes, or extensive damage to agricultural, industrial or commercial facilities, important public utilities, main highways, or railroads. The estimated flood damage zone, should failure of the dam occur, as determined by the St. Louis District, extends two miles downstream of the dam. Within the possible damage zone are two dwellings, a warehouse, and several other types of buildings. Those features lying within the downstream damage zone reported by the Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, were verified by the inspection team.

Sections 1-2. Keyword Index.--Section 3. Personal author index.--Section 4. Corporate author index.-- Section 5. Contract/grant number index, NTIS order/report number index 1-E.--Section 6. NTIS order/report number index F-Z.

This report was prepared under the National Program of Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. This report assesses the general condition of the dam with respect to safety, based on available data and on visual inspection, to determine if the dam poses hazards to human life or property. (Author).

This dam has been classified as unsafe, non-emergency by the St. Louis District as a result of the application of the following criteria: Spillways will not pass 50 percent of the Probable Maximum Flood without overtopping the dam; Overtopping of the dam could result in failure of the dam; and Dam failure significantly increases the hazard to loss of life downstream.