County Downes Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bon-Gor Lake Dam Hopper Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
County Downes Lake Dam, located in Boone County, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 30 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 417 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 26 acres. The dam, situated on the TR Rocky Fork river, has a drainage area of 120 square miles and is under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its recreational focus, County Downes Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam does not have a designated spillway type or outlet gates, suggesting potential challenges in managing water flow during periods of high discharge. As of the latest data update in 2018, the dam had not undergone inspection, raising questions about its overall safety and maintenance protocols.
Given its critical location and role in water resource management, County Downes Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The lack of regulatory oversight and inspection history, coupled with its high hazard potential, highlight the importance of ensuring proper maintenance and emergency preparedness for dams in similar conditions. Further study and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into the intersection of recreational infrastructure, environmental risk management, and sustainable water resource practices.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR ROCKY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Drainage Area |
120 |
Nid Storage |
417 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
County Downes Lake Dam