Teal Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Teal Lake Dam in Mexico, Missouri, is a rockfill dam completed in 1969 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 835 acre-feet, the dam creates a serene 78-acre lake on the South Fork Salt River. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition of the dam has not been rated since its last inspection in 1980, raising concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Located in Audrain County, Teal Lake Dam is privately owned and not regulated or inspected by the state. The dam has no associated structures and is not under the jurisdiction of any state regulatory agency. With no emergency action plan in place and limited risk assessment measures, the dam presents a potential risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach or failure.
For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Teal Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure. As discussions around climate change and extreme weather events continue, the condition and management of dams like Teal Lake Dam will be crucial in protecting communities and ecosystems from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK SALT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
78 |
Drainage Area |
3387 |
Nid Storage |
835 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Teal Lake Dam