Reeds Lake Dam

Reeds Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Callaway County, Missouri, built in 1932. It carries a High hazard potential classification.

Hazard potentialHighFailure would probably cost lives
ConditionNot assessed
Emergency action planNot reported
Last inspectionNot reported
Height20 ft
Built193294 years ago

Dam profile

NID height · 20 ft
20 FT TWO-STORY HOUSEMEDIAN U.S. DAM · 24 FT

20 ft tall. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.

About Reeds Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Reeds Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Maurice Bonard (private). It impounds the Tr Middle River near Chamois.

The dam stands 20 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 268 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 446 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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.

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

StateMissouri
CountyCallaway
Nearest CityChamois
River/StreamTr Middle River
Coordinates38.86766, -92.04479

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Year Completed1932 (94 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage268 acre-ft
Max Storage268 acre-ft
Normal Storage142 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area446 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerMaurice Bonard
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentNot assessed
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDMO10881
Federal IDMO10881
More InfoState Dam Safety Program