Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Reservoir Dam, located in Howard County, Missouri, was completed in 1954 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction and irrigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 394 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Cottonwood Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its high hazard potential, Reservoir Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and has not undergone inspection since June 1979. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam has not been prepared or updated, raising concerns about the readiness for potential emergencies. While the dam is owned and regulated by the state of Missouri, it is not subject to state permitting, inspection, or enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Reservoir Dam presents a case study in the management and maintenance of critical infrastructure. With its crucial role in flood risk reduction and irrigation, the dam's condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight are vital aspects to monitor and address. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and integrity of dams like Reservoir Dam is essential for the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

1403

Nid Storage

394

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.