Lake Joy Dam dam
Lake Joy Dam
Located in Dent, Missouri, the Lake Joy Dam is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes including flood control and recreation. Built in 1985, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 600 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 936 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
With a drainage area of 325 square miles, Lake Joy Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow from the tributaries of Hutchins Creek to the Marmack River. The dam's spillway, although uncontrolled, has a width of 48 feet to handle maximum discharge flows of up to 608 cubic feet per second. The overall condition of the dam is assessed as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential but moderate risk level. Emergency action plans are in place to mitigate any potential risks, and the dam's operations are closely monitored to uphold safety standards.
As a key component of water resource management in the region, Lake Joy Dam serves as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities against flood risks and ensuring sustainable water supply. Its presence not only offers recreational opportunities but also contributes to the overall resilience of the area in the face of changing climate patterns. With continued monitoring and maintenance, Lake Joy Dam remains a vital asset in preserving the environmental and societal well-being of Dent, Missouri.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Joy Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Meramec River At Cook Station | 48 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Steelville | 321 cfs | → |
| Current River Above Akers | 233 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River Nr Lesterville | 16 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River At Lesterville | 44 cfs | → |
| Little Piney Creek At Newburg | 116 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Joy Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Lake Joy Dam
Where does the data for Lake Joy Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.