Backer Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Callaway County, Missouri, built in 1976. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 38 ft38 ft tall and 400 ft long, taller than 84% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. 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 Backer Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Backer Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by William E Backer (private). It impounds the Tr Richland Creek near Chamois.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 11/02/2021.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Missouri |
| County | Callaway |
| Nearest City | Chamois |
| River/Stream | Tr Richland Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.89722, -91.93518 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 304 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | William E Backer |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/02/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO11194 |
| Federal ID | MO11194 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |